3 In want and emaciating hungerthey fled to the parched lands:to the desolate wasteland by night.
4 They plucked saltwort and shrubs;the roots of the broom plant were their food.
5 They were banished from the community,with an outcry like that against a thief—
6 To dwell on the slopes of the wadies,in caves of sand and stone;
7 Among the bushes they brayed;under the nettles they huddled together.
8 Irresponsible, of no account,they were driven out of the land.
9 Yet now they sing of me in mockery;I have become a byword among them.