17 As for you, my children Israel, I can do nothing to help you.
18 God punished you in these terrible ways, and now only God can rescue you from your enemies.
19 Go on with your life, my children—I am alone.
20 I have taken off the clothes I wore during my time of peace, and I have put on the clothes that show I am in mourning. I will cry out to the eternal God until the day I die.
21 Be brave, my children, and beg God to help you! He is the one who will rescue you from your powerful enemy.
22 I know without a doubt that the Holy and eternal God will save you. In fact, it makes me happy to think that he will soon show you mercy.
23 I cried and moaned as I watched you leave, but God will bring you back to me, and I will celebrate and shout forever.