23 you would make Judah and Jerusalem places of sadness where no joyful sounds are heard, even at wedding feasts. You threatened to make our country an empty wasteland.
24 We did not obey your command to serve the king of Babylonia. So you have done everything you threatened to do, just as your prophets warned. The bones of our kings and our ancestors were dug up
25 and now lie scattered all over, scorched by the sun during the day and covered with frost at night. Our ancestors died horrible deaths from starvation, war, and disease.
26 And because the people of Israel and Judah did evil, you destroyed the temple that was built in your honor, and it lies in ruins even today.
27 But you, Lord God, have shown us mercy. You are always patient and kind,
28 just as you told your servant Moses on the day you commanded him to write down your Law while our ancestors watched. Then you said:
29 If you refuse to obey me, I will scatter you among the nations, and this mighty nation of yours will be nothing but a handful of people.