7. I will separate the people of Judah with my pitchfork.I will scatter them at the city gates of the land.My people haven’t changed their ways.So I will destroy them.I will take away their children.
8. Many women will lose their husbands.There will be more widows than the sand of the sea.I will bring a destroyer at noontimeagainst the mothers of the young men of Judah.I will suddenly bring pain and fearon the people of Judah.
9. The enemy will attack.I will still hand over to the killers those who are left alive from Judah.A woman might have seven sons, but they will all die.She will cry until she becomes weak and unable to breathe.She will be upset and confused.Her bright day will become dark from sadness!” says the Lord.
10. Mother, I am sorry that you gave birth to me.I am the one who must accuse and criticize the whole land.I have not loaned or borrowed anything.But everyone curses me.
11. The Lord said,“I will save you for a good reason.I will make your enemies beg youin times of disaster and trouble.
12. No one can smash a piece of iron or bronze.I mean the kind of iron and bronze that comes from the north.
13. The people of Judah have wealth and treasures.But I will freely give those riches to others.This is because the people of Judah have sinnedthroughout the country.
14. I will make you slaves to your enemies.You will be slaves in a land that you have never known.My anger is like a hot fire.And it will burn against you.”
15. Lord, you understand.Remember me and take care of me.Punish for me the people who are hurting me.Don’t destroy me while you remain patient with them.Think about the pain I suffer for you, Lord.