The Coming Exile

17 Gather up your bundle from the ground,

O you who live under siege!

18 For thus says the Lord:

I am going to sling out the inhabitants of the land

at this time,

and I will bring distress on them,

so that they shall feel it.

19 Woe is me because of my hurt!

My wound is severe.

But I said, “Truly this is my punishment,

and I must bear it.”

20 My tent is destroyed,

and all my cords are broken;

my children have gone from me,

and they are no more;

there is no one to spread my tent again,

and to set up my curtains.

21 For the shepherds are stupid,

and do not inquire of the Lord;

therefore they have not prospered,

and all their flock is scattered.

22 Hear, a noise! Listen, it is coming—

a great commotion from the land of the north

to make the cities of Judah a desolation,

a lair of jackals.

23 I know, O Lord, that the way of human beings is not in their control,

that mortals as they walk cannot direct their steps.

24 Correct me, O Lord, but in just measure;

not in your anger, or you will bring me to nothing.

25 Pour out your wrath on the nations that do not know you,

and on the peoples that do not call on your name;

for they have devoured Jacob;

they have devoured him and consumed him,

and have laid waste his habitation.