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.
17. I did not sit celebratingin the circle of merrymakers;Under the weight of your hand I sat alonebecause you filled me with rage.
18. Why is my pain continuous,my wound incurable, refusing to be healed?To me you are like a deceptive brook,waters that cannot be relied on!
19. Thus the Lord answered me:If you come back and I take you back,in my presence you shall stand;If you utter what is precious and not what is worthless,you shall be my mouth.Then they will be the ones who turn to you,not you who turn to them.
20. And I will make you toward this peoplea fortified wall of bronze.Though they fight against you,they shall not prevail,For I am with you,to save and rescue you—oracle of the Lord.