Jeremiah

⁴How long will the land mourn,and the herbs of the whole country wither?Because of the wickedness of those who dwell therein,the animals and birds are consumed;because they said,“He won’t see our latter end.” ⁵“If you have run with the footmen,and they have wearied you,then how can you contend with horses?Though in a land of peace you are secure,yet how will you do in the pride of the Jordan? ⁶For even your brothers, and the house of your father,even they have dealt treacherously with you!Even they have cried aloud after you!Don’t believe them,though they speak beautiful words to you. ⁷“I have forsaken my house.I have cast off my heritage.I have given the dearly beloved of my soul into the hand of her enemies. ⁸My heritage has become to me as a lion in the forest.She has uttered her voice against me.Therefore I have hated her. ⁹Is my heritage to me as a speckled bird of prey?Are the birds of prey against her all around?Go, assemble all the animals of the field.Bring them to devour. ¹⁰Many shepherds have destroyed my vineyard.They have trodden my portion under foot.They have made my pleasant portion a desolate wilderness.