10-11. Israel, you belong to me,so don't be afraid.You deserved to be punished;that's why I scattered youin distant nations.But I am with you,and some day I will destroythose nations.Then I will bring youand your descendantsback to your land,where I will protect youand give you peace.Then your fears will be gone.I, the Lord, have spoken.
12. The Lord said:My people, you are woundedand near death.
13. You are accused of a crimewith no one to defend you,and you are covered with soresthat no medicine can cure.
14-15. Your friends have forgotten you;they don't care any more.Even I have acted like an enemy.And because your sinsare horrible and countless,I will be cruelas I punish you.So don't bother to cry outfor relief from your pain.
16. But if your enemies try to robor destroy you,I will rob and destroy them,and they will be led as captivesto foreign lands.