14. Then the lord said, “These prophets are telling lies in my name. I did not send them or tell them to speak. I did not give them any messages. They prophesy of visions and revelations they have never seen or heard. They speak foolishness made up in their own lying hearts.
15. Therefore, this is what the lord says: I will punish these lying prophets, for they have spoken in my name even though I never sent them. They say that no war or famine will come, but they themselves will die by war and famine!
16. As for the people to whom they prophesy—their bodies will be thrown out into the streets of Jerusalem, victims of famine and war. There will be no one left to bury them. Husbands, wives, sons, and daughters—all will be gone. For I will pour out their own wickedness on them.
17. Now, Jeremiah, say this to them:“Night and day my eyes overflow with tears.I cannot stop weeping,for my virgin daughter—my precious people—has been struck downand lies mortally wounded.
18. If I go out into the fields,I see the bodies of people slaughtered by the enemy.If I walk the city streets,I see people who have died of starvation.The prophets and priests continue with their work,but they don’t know what they’re doing.”
19. lord, have you completely rejected Judah?Do you really hate Jerusalem?Why have you wounded us past all hope of healing?We hoped for peace, but no peace came.We hoped for a time of healing, but found only terror.
20. lord, we confess our wickednessand that of our ancestors, too.We all have sinned against you.
21. For the sake of your reputation, lord, do not abandon us.Do not disgrace your own glorious throne.Please remember us,and do not break your covenant with us.
22. Can any of the worthless foreign gods send us rain?Does it fall from the sky by itself?No, you are the one, O lord our God!Only you can do such things.So we will wait for you to help us.