8. Their widows will be more numerousthan the grains of sand on the seashore.At noontime I will send a destroyer against the mothers of young men.I will suddenly bring anguish and terror to them.
9. A mother who gives birth to seven sons will grow faintand breathe her last.She will die, ashamed and humiliated,while it is still daylight.I will put survivors from these people to deathin the presence of their enemies,” declares the Lord.
10. I’m so miserable! Why did my mother give birth to me?I am a man who argues and quarrels with the whole earth.I have never lent or borrowed anything.Yet, everyone curses me.
11. The Lord said,“I will certainly rescue you for a good reason.I will certainly make your enemies plead with youin times of disaster and in times of distress.
12. (No one can break iron, iron from the north, or bronze.)
13. I will give away your wealth and treasures as lootas the price for all the sins that you have committedthroughout your territory.
14. I will make you serve your enemies in a land that you haven’t heard of,because my anger has started a fire.It will burn you.”
15. O Lord, you understand.Remember me, take care of me,and take revenge on those who persecute me.Be patient, and don’t take me away.You should know that I’ve been insulted because of you.
16. Your words were found, and I devoured them.Your words are my joy and my heart’s delight,because I am called by your name, O Lord God of Armies.
17. I didn’t keep company with those who laugh and have fun.I sat alone because your hand was on me.You filled me with outrage.
18. Why is my pain unendingand my wound incurable, refusing to heal?Will you disappoint me like a streamthat dries up in summertime?
19. This is what the Lord says:If you will return, I will take you back.If you will speak what is worthwhile and not what is worthless,you will stand in my presence.The people will return to you, but you will not return to them.