18 The Lord proclaims:I’m going to eject those who live in the land at this time;I will badger them until they leave.
19 How terrible for me, due to my injury;my wound is terrible.Yet I said to myself:This is my sickness,and I must bear it.
20 But now my tent is destroyed;all its ropes are cut,and my children are gone for good.There’s no one left to set up my tent frameand to attach the fabric.
21 The shepherd kings have lost their sensesand don’t seek answers from the Lord.That is why they have failedand their flock is scattered.
22 Listen! The sound is getting louder,a mighty uproar from the land of the north;it will reduce the towns of Judah to ruins,a den for wild dogs.
23 I know, Lord, that our lives are not our own,that we’re not able to direct our paths.
24 So correct me, Lord, but with justice,not in your anger,or else you will reduce me to nothing.