14. All your lovers—your allies—have left youand do not care about you anymore.I have wounded you cruelly,as though I were your enemy.For your sins are many,and your guilt is great.
15. Why do you protest your punishment—this wound that has no cure?I have had to punish youbecause your sins are manyand your guilt is great.
16. “But all who devour you will be devoured,and all your enemies will be sent into exile.All who plunder you will be plundered,and all who attack you will be attacked.
17. I will give you back your healthand heal your wounds,” says the lord.“For you are called an outcast—‘Jerusalem for whom no one cares.’”
18. This is what the lord says:“When I bring Israel home again from captivityand restore their fortunes,Jerusalem will be rebuilt on its ruins,and the palace reconstructed as before.
19. There will be joy and songs of thanksgiving,and I will multiply my people, not diminish them;I will honor them, not despise them.