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.
11 Then the Lord replied,“I promise to protect you,and when disaster comes,even your enemieswill beg you for help.”
12 People of Judah,just as you can't break ironmixed with bronze,you can't defeat the enemieswho will attackfrom the north.