4 This punishment will happenbecause of the horrible thingsyour King Manasseh did.And you will be disgustingto all nations on earth.
5 People of Jerusalem,who will feel sorry for you?Will anyone botherto ask if you are well?
6 My people, you abandoned meand walked away.I am tired of showing mercy;that's why I'll destroy you
7 by scattering you like strawblown by the wind.I will punish you with sorrowand death,because you refuseto change your ways.
8 There will be more widowsin Judahthan grains of sand on a beach.A surprise attack at midday!And the mothers in Jerusalemmourn for their children.
9 A mother is in deep despairand struggles for breath.Her daylight has turnedto darkness—she has suffered the lossof her seven sons.I will kill anyone who survives.I, the Lord, have spoken.
10 I wish I had never been born!I'm always in troublewith everyone in Judah.I never lend or borrow money,but everyone curses mejust the same.