18. For this is what the lord says:“Suddenly, I will fling outall you who live in this land.I will pour great troubles upon you,and at last you will feel my anger.”
19. My wound is severe,and my grief is great.My sickness is incurable,but I must bear it.
20. My home is gone,and no one is left to help me rebuild it.My children have been taken away,and I will never see them again.
21. The shepherds of my people have lost their senses.They no longer seek wisdom from the lord.Therefore, they fail completely,and their flocks are scattered.
22. Listen! Hear the terrifying roar of great armiesas they roll down from the north.The towns of Judah will be destroyedand become a haunt for jackals.
23. I know, lord, that our lives are not our own.We are not able to plan our own course.
24. So correct me, lord, but please be gentle.Do not correct me in anger, for I would die.
25. Pour out your wrath on the nations that refuse to acknowledge you—on the peoples that do not call upon your name.For they have devoured your people Israel;they have devoured and consumed them,making the land a desolate wilderness.