5 Even the doe in the fieldabandons her newborn,for there’s no grass.
6 The wild donkeys stand on the well-traveled paths,panting like thirsty dogs;they go blindsince there’s nothing to eat.
7 Even though our sins testify against us,help us, Lord, for your name’s sake.We have turned away from youand sinned against you time and again.
8 You are the hope of Israel,its savior in times of trouble.Why are you like a stranger in the land,like a tourist spending only the night?
9 Why are you like one taken by surprise,like a warrior unable to act?Yet you are in our midst, Lord;we are called by your name.Don’t give up on us.
10 This is what the Lord proclaims about this people:Since they have loved to wander offand haven’t restrained themselves,I won’t accept them.Now I will recall their wrongdoingand punish their sin.
11 The Lord said to me: Don’t pray for the safety of these people.