A Warning for the People of Anathoth

18 Moreover, Yahweh let it be made known to me, and I knew.

Then you showed me their deeds.

19 And I was like a gentle ram-lamb that is brought to slaughter,

and I did not know that they planned plans against me, saying,

“Let us destroy the tree with its fruit,

and let us cut him off from the land of the living,

so that his name will no longer be remembered.”

20 But O Yahweh of hosts, who judges in righteousness,

who tests the ⌊inmost being⌋,x and the ⌊mind⌋,y

let me see your retribution upon them,

for to you I have revealed my legal case.

21 ⌊Therefore⌋z thus says Yahweh concerning the peoplea of Anathoth who seek your life, ⌊saying⌋,b “You shall not prophesy in the name of Yahweh ⌊or⌋c you will die by our hand.” 22 ⌊Therefore⌋d thus says Yahweh of hosts: “Look, I am about to punish them. The young men will die by the sword. Their sons and their daughters will die by the famine. 23 And a remnant will not be left for them, for I will bring disaster to the peoplee of Anathoth, the year of their punishment.”

Jeremiah’s Complaint

12 You will be in the right, O Yahweh, when I complain to you.

Even so, let me speak my claims with you.

Why does the way of the wicked succeed?

All those who deal treacherously with treachery are at ease.

2 Not only do you plant them, they take root.

They grow, but also they produce fruit.

You are near in their mouths,

but far from their ⌊inmost beings⌋.a

3 But you, O Yahweh, you know me,

you see me, and you test that my heart is with you.

Tear them apart like sheep for the slaughtering,

and set them apart for the day of slaughter.

4 ⌊How long⌋b will the land mourn, and the vegetation of every field dry up,

because of the wickedness of those who live in it?

The animals and the birdsc are swept away,

because they have said, “He does not see our future.”