8 There are more widows than grains of sand in the sea.I brought a destroyer at noontimeagainst the mothers of the young men of Judah.I suddenly brought pain and fearon the people of Judah.
9 When the enemy attacked, a woman with seven sons felt faint because they would all die.She became weak and unable to breathe.Her bright day became dark from sadness.She felt shame and disgrace.And everyone else left alive in JudahI will hand over to the enemies, too!” says the Lord.
10 Mother, I am sorry that you gave birth to mesince I must accuse and criticize the whole land.I have not loaned or borrowed anything,but everyone curses me.
11 The Lord said,“I have saved you for a good reason.I have made your enemies beg youin times of disaster and trouble.
12 No one can smash a piece of iron or bronzethat comes from the north.
13 Your wealth and treasuresI will give to others free of charge,because the people of Judah have sinnedthroughout the country.
14 I will make you slaves to your enemiesin a land you have never known.My anger is like a hot fire,and it will burn against you.”