18. For the Lord says,“Behold, I will sling out the inhabitants of the land at this time,and will distress them, that they may feel it.”
19. Woe is me because of my injury!My wound is serious;but I said,“Truly this is my grief, and I must bear it.”
20. My tent has been destroyed,and all my cords are broken.My children have gone away from me, and they are no more.There is no one to spread my tent any more,to set up my curtains.
21. For the shepherds have become brutish,and have not enquired of the Lord.Therefore they have not prospered,and all their flocks have scattered.
22. The voice of news, behold, it comes,and a great commotion out of the north country,to make the cities of Judah a desolation,a dwelling place of jackals.
23. Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself.It is not in man who walks to direct his steps.
24. Lord, correct me, but gently;not in your anger,lest you reduce me to nothing.
25. Pour out your wrath on the nations that don’t know you,and on the families that don’t call on your name;for they have devoured Jacob.Yes, they have devoured him, consumed him,and have laid waste his habitation.