10 Alas, my mother, that you gave me birth,
a man with whom the whole land strives and contends!
I have neither lent nor borrowed,
yet everyone curses me. |
|
12 "Can a man break iron-
iron from the north-or bronze? |
13 Your wealth and your treasures
I will give as plunder, without charge,
because of all your sins
throughout your country. |
14 I will enslave you to your enemies in1 15:14 Some Hebrew manuscripts, Septuagint and Syriac (see also Jer. 17:4); most Hebrew manuscripts I will cause your enemies to bring you / into a land you do not know,
for my anger will kindle a fire
that will burn against you." |
15 You understand, O LORD ;
remember me and care for me.
Avenge me on my persecutors.
You are long-suffering-do not take me away;
think of how I suffer reproach for your sake. |
16 When your words came, I ate them;
they were my joy and my heart's delight,
for I bear your name,
O LORD God Almighty. |
17 I never sat in the company of revelers,
never made merry with them;
I sat alone because your hand was on me
and you had filled me with indignation. |
18 Why is my pain unending
and my wound grievous and incurable?
Will you be to me like a deceptive brook,
like a spring that fails? |
19 Therefore this is what the LORD says: |
20 I will make you a wall to this people,
a fortified wall of bronze;
they will fight against you
but will not overcome you,
for I am with you
to rescue and save you,"
declares the LORD . |
21 "I will save you from the hands of the wicked
and redeem you from the grasp of the cruel." |