16. The people they prophesy to will be thrown out into the streets of Jerusalem. They will be victims of famines and wars. No one will bury them, their wives, their sons, or their daughters. I will pour on them the destruction that they deserve.
17. “Say this to them:‘My eyes flow with tears day and night without stoppingbecause my dear people will suffer massive destruction.It will be a very serious blow.’ ”
18. If I go to the field, I see those killed because of war.If I go to the city, I see those sick because of famine.Prophets and priests wander through a land they haven’t heard of.
19. Have you completely rejected Judah?Do you despise Zion?Why have you struck us so hard that we cannot heal?We hope for peace, but no good comes from it.We hope for a time of healing, but there’s only terror.
20. O Lord, we realize our wickednessand the wrongs done by our ancestors.We have sinned against you.
21. For the sake of your name, don’t despise us.Don’t dishonor your glorious throne.Remember your promise to us; don’t break it.
22. The worthless gods of the nations can’t make it rain.By themselves, the skies can’t give showers.But you can, O Lord our God.We have hope in you because you do all these things.