12. ‘Can a man break iron –iron from the north – or bronze?
13. ‘Your wealth and your treasuresI will give as plunder, without charge,because of all your sinsthroughout your country.
14. I will enslave you to your enemiesin a land you do not know,for my anger will kindle a firethat will burn against you.’
15. Lord, you understand;remember me and care for me.Avenge me on my persecutors.You are long-suffering – do not take me away;think of how I suffer reproach for your sake.
16. When your words came, I ate them;they were my joy and my heart’s delight,for I bear your name,Lord God Almighty.
17. I never sat in the company of revellers,never made merry with them;I sat alone because your hand was on meand you had filled me with indignation.
18. Why is my pain unendingand my wound grievous and incurable?You are to me like a deceptive brook,like a spring that fails.
19. Therefore this is what the Lord says:‘If you repent, I will restore youthat you may serve me;if you utter worthy, not worthless, words,you will be my spokesman.Let this people turn to you,but you must not turn to them.
20. I will make you a wall to this people,a fortified wall of bronze;they will fight against youbut will not overcome you,for I am with youto rescue and save you,’declares the Lord.
21. ‘I will save you from the hands of the wickedand deliver you from the grasp of the cruel.’