10 Alas, my mother, that you gave me birth,c

a man with whom the whole land strives and contends!d

I have neither lente nor borrowed,

yet everyone cursesf me.

11 The Lord said,

“Surely I will deliver youg for a good purpose;

surely I will make your enemies pleadh with you

in times of disaster and times of distress.

12 “Can a man break iron—

iron from the northi—or bronze?

13 “Your wealthj and your treasures

I will give as plunder,k without charge,l

because of all your sins

throughout your country.m

14 I will enslave you to your enemies

ina a land you do not know,n

for my anger will kindle a fireo

that will burn against you.”

15 Lord, you understand;

remember me and care for me.

Avenge me on my persecutors.p

You are long-sufferingq—do not take me away;

think of how I suffer reproach for your sake.r

16 When your words came, I ates them;

they were my joy and my heart’s delight,t

for I bear your name,u

Lord God Almighty.

17 I never satv in the company of revelers,

never made merry with them;

I sat alone because your handw was on me

and you had filled me with indignation.

18 Why is my pain unending

and my wound grievous and incurable?x

You are to me like a deceptive brook,

like a spring that fails.y

19 Therefore this is what the Lord says:

“If you repent, I will restore you

that you may servez me;

if you utter worthy, not worthless, words,

you will be my spokesman.a

Let this people turn to you,

but you must not turn to them.

20 I will make you a wallb to this people,

a fortified wall of bronze;

they will fight against you

but will not overcomec you,

for I am with you

to rescue and save you,”d

declares the Lord.

21 “I will savee you from the hands of the wickedf

and deliverg you from the grasp of the cruel.”h