16. And the people to whom they prophesy shall be cast out in the streets of Jerusalem because of the famine and the sword; they will have no one to bury them—them nor their wives, their sons nor their daughters—for I will pour their wickedness on them.’
17. “Therefore you shall say this word to them:‘Let my eyes flow with tears night and day,And let them not cease;For the virgin daughter of my peopleHas been broken with a mighty stroke, with a very severe blow.
18. If I go out to the field,Then behold, those slain with the sword!And if I enter the city,Then behold, those sick from famine!Yes, both prophet and priest go about in a land they do not know.’ ”
19. Have You utterly rejected Judah?Has Your soul loathed Zion?Why have You stricken us so that there is no healing for us?We looked for peace, but there was no good;And for the time of healing, and there was trouble.
20. We acknowledge, O Lord, our wickednessAnd the iniquity of our fathers,For we have sinned against You.
21. Do not abhor us, for Your name’s sake;Do not disgrace the throne of Your glory.Remember, do not break Your covenant with us.
22. Are there any among the idols of the nations that can cause rain?Or can the heavens give showers?Are You not He, O Lord our God?Therefore we will wait for You,Since You have made all these.