1 The Lord ’s Negative Response Then the Lord said to me: “Even if Moses and Samuel should stand before me, my compassions would not reach out to these people. Send them from my presence, and let them go.2 If they ask you, ‘Where will we go? ’ tell them: This is what the Lord says: Those destined for death, to death; those destined for the sword, to the sword. Those destined for famine, to famine; those destined for captivity, to captivity.3 “I will ordain four kinds Lit families 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.4 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.5 Who will have pity on you, Jerusalem? Who will show sympathy toward you? Who will turn aside to ask about your well-being?6 You have left me.” This is the Lord ’s declaration. “You have turned your back, so I have stretched out my hand against you and destroyed you. I am tired of showing compassion.7 I scattered them with a winnowing fork at the city gates of the land. I made them childless; I destroyed my people. They would not turn from their ways.8 I made their widows more numerous than the sand of the seas. I brought a destroyer at noon against the mother of young men. I suddenly released on her agitation and terrors.9 The mother of seven grew faint; she breathed her last breath. Her sun set while it was still day; she was ashamed and humiliated. The rest of them I will give over to the sword in the presence of their enemies.” This is the Lord ’s declaration.10 Jeremiah’s Complaint Woe is me, my mother, that you gave birth to me, a man who incites dispute and conflict in all the land. I did not lend or borrow, yet everyone curses me.11 The Lord ’s Response The Lord said: Haven’t I set you loose for your good? Haven’t I punished you in a time of trouble, in a time of distress with the enemy? Hb obscure 12 Can anyone smash iron, iron from the north, or bronze?13 I will give up your wealth and your treasures as plunder, without cost, for all your sins in all your borders.14 Then I will make you serve your enemies Some Hb mss, LXX, Syr, Tg; other Hb mss read you pass through in a land you do not know, for my anger will kindle a fire that will burn against you.15 Jeremiah’s Prayer for Vengeance You know, Lord ; remember me and take note of me. Avenge me against my persecutors. In your patience, Lit In the slowness of your anger don’t take me away. Know that I suffer disgrace for your honor.16 Your words were found, and I ate them. Your words became a delight to me and the joy of my heart, for I bear your name, Lord God of Armies.17 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.18 Why has my pain become unending, my wound incurable, refusing to be healed? You truly have become like a mirage to me — water that is not reliable.19 Jeremiah Told to Repent Therefore, this is what the Lord says: If you return, I will take you back; you will stand in my presence. And if you speak noble words, rather than worthless ones, you will be my spokesman. It is they who must return to you; you must not return to them.20 Then I will make you a fortified wall of bronze to this people. They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you to save you and rescue you. This is the Lord ’s declaration.21 I will rescue you from the power of evil people and redeem you from the grasp of the ruthless.