3. Four kinds of scourge I have decreed against them—oracle of the Lord—the sword to kill them; dogs to drag them off; the birds of the sky and the beasts of the earth to devour and destroy them.
4. And I will make them an object of horror to all the kingdoms of the earth because of what Manasseh, son of Hezekiah, king of Judah, did in Jerusalem.
5. Who will pity you, Jerusalem,who will grieve for you?Who will stop to askabout your welfare?
6. It is you who have disowned me—oracle of the Lord—turned your back upon me;I stretched out my hand to destroy you,because I was weary of relenting.
7. I winnowed them with a winnowing forkat the gates of the land;I have bereaved, destroyed my people;they have not turned from their evil ways.
8. Their widows were more numerous before methan the sands of the sea.I brought against the mother of youthsthe destroyer at midday;Suddenly I struck herwith anguish and terror.
9. The mother of seven faints away,breathing out her life;Her sun sets in full day,she is ashamed, abashed.Their survivors I will give to the swordin the presence of their enemies—oracle of the Lord.
10. Woe to me, my mother, that you gave me birth!a man of strife and contention to all the land!I neither borrow nor lend,yet everyone curses me.
11. Tell me, Lord, have I not served you for their good?Have I not interceded with youin time of misfortune and anguish?
12. Can one break iron,iron from the north, and bronze?
13. Your wealth and your treasuresI give as plunder, demanding no payment,because of all your sins, throughout all your territory.
14. And I shall enslave you to your enemiesin a land you do not know,For fire has broken out from my anger,it is kindled against you.
15. You know, Lord:Remember me and take care of me,avenge me on my persecutors.Because you are slow to anger, do not banish me;know that for you I have borne insult.
16. When I found your words, I devoured them;your words were my joy, the happiness of my heart,Because I bear your name,Lord, God of hosts.