Study Desk

Though our iniquities testify against us,Lord, act for your name’s sake.Indeed, our rebellions are many;we have sinned against you.

Hope of Israel,its Savior in time of distress,why are you like a resident alien in the land,like a traveler stopping only for the night?

Then the Lord said to me, “Do not pray for the well-being of these people.

You are to speak this word to them:Let my eyes overflow with tears;day and night may they not stop,for the virgin daughter of my peoplehas been destroyed by a crushing blow,an extremely severe wound.

If I go out to the field,look—those slain by the sword!If I enter the city,look—those ill from famine!For both prophet and priesttravel to a land they do not know.

Have you completely rejected Judah?Do you detest Zion?Why do you strike uswith no hope of healing for us?We hoped for peace,but there was nothing good;for a time of healing,but there was only terror.

For your name’s sake, don’t despise us.Don’t disdain your glorious throne.Remember your covenant with us;do not break it.

Can any of the worthless idols of the nations bring rain?Or can the skies alone give showers?Are you not the Lord our God?We therefore put our hope in you,for you have done all these things.

“I will ordain four kinds of judgment for them”—this is the Lord’s declaration—“the sword to kill, the dogs to drag away, and the birds of the sky and the wild animals of the land to devour and destroy.

I will make them a horror to all the kingdoms of the earth because of Manasseh son of Hezekiah, the king of Judah, for what he did in Jerusalem.

I will give up your wealthand your treasures as plunder,without cost, for all your sinsin all your borders.

Then I will make you serve your enemiesin a land you do not know,for my anger will kindle a firethat will burn against you.

You know, Lord;remember me and take note of me.Avenge me against my persecutors.In your patience, don’t take me away.Know that I suffer disgrace for your honor.

Your words were found, and I ate them.Your words became a delight to meand the joy of my heart,for I bear your name,Lord God of Armies.

I never sat with the band of revelers,and I did not celebrate with them.Because your hand was on me, I sat alone,for you filled me with indignation.

Then I will make you a fortified wall of bronzeto this people.They will fight against youbut will not overcome you,for I am with youto save you and rescue you.

For this is what the Lord says concerning sons and daughters born in this place as well as concerning the mothers who bear them and the fathers who father them in this land:

They will die from deadly diseases. They will not be mourned or buried but will be like manure on the soil’s surface. They will be finished off by sword and famine. Their corpses will become food for the birds of the sky and for the wild animals of the land.

“For this is what the Lord says: Don’t enter a house where a mourning feast is taking place. Don’t go to lament or sympathize with them, for I have removed my peace from these people as well as my faithful love and compassion.” This is the Lord’s declaration.

“Both great and small will die in this land without burial. No lament will be made for them, nor will anyone cut himself or shave his head for them.