10. I said,“Oh, mother, how I regret that you ever gave birth to me!I am always starting arguments and quarrels with the people of this land.I have not lent money to anyone and I have not borrowed from anyone.Yet all of these people are treating me with contempt.”
11. The Lord said, “Jerusalem, I will surely send you away for your own good.I will surely bring the enemy upon you in a time of trouble and distress.
12. Can you people who are like iron and bronzebreak that iron fist from the north?
13. I will give away your wealth and your treasures as plunder.I will give it away free of charge for the sins you have committed throughout your land.
14. I will make you serve your enemies in a land that you know nothing about.For my anger is like a fire that will burn against you.”
15. I said, “Lord, you know how I suffer.Take thought of me and care for me.Pay back for me those who have been persecuting me.Do not be so patient with them that you allow them to kill me.Be mindful of how I have put up with their insults for your sake.
16. As your words came to me I drank them in,and they filled my heart with joy and happinessbecause I belong to you.
17. I did not spend my time in the company of other people,laughing and having a good time.I stayed to myself because I felt obligated to youand because I was filled with anger at what they had done.
18. Why must I continually suffer such painful anguish?Why must I endure the sting of their insults like an incurable wound?Will you let me down when I need youlike a brook one goes to for water, but that cannot be relied on?”