13. and did not acknowledge his statutes;In the ways of God’s commandments they did not walk,nor did they tread the disciplined paths of his justice.
14. “Let Zion’s neighbors come—Remember the captivity of my sons and daughters,brought upon them by the Eternal One.
15. He has brought against them a nation from afar,a nation ruthless and of alien speech,That has neither reverence for old agenor pity for the child;
16. They have led away this widow’s beloved sons,have left me solitary, without daughters.
17. What can I do to help you?
18. The one who has brought this evil upon youmust himself deliver you from your enemies’ hands.
19. Farewell, my children, farewell;I am left desolate.
20. I have taken off the garment of peace,have put on sackcloth for my prayer of supplication;while I live I will cry out to the Eternal One.
21. “Take courage, my children; call upon God;he will deliver you from oppression, from enemy hands.
22. I have put my hope for your deliverance in the Eternal One,and joy has come to me from the Holy OneBecause of the mercy that will swiftly reach youfrom your eternal Savior.
23. With mourning and lament I sent you away,but God will give you back to mewith gladness and joy forever.
24. As Zion’s neighbors lately saw you taken captive,so shall they soon see God’s salvation come to you,with great glory and the splendor of the Eternal One.
25. “My children, bear patiently the wraththat has come upon you from God;Your enemies have persecuted you,but you will soon see their destructionand trample upon their necks.
26. My pampered children have trodden rough roads,carried off by their enemies like sheep in a raid.
27. Take courage, my children; call out to God!The one who brought this upon you will remember you.
28. As your hearts have been disposed to stray from God,so turn now ten times the more to seek him;
29. For the one who has brought disaster upon youwill, in saving you, bring you eternal joy.”
30. Take courage, Jerusalem!The one who gave you your name will console you.