A Message for the King and the Queen Mother

• 18 [fn] for[fn] has come down from your head.’[fn]
• 19  and there is no one who opens them.[fn]
• All of Judah is deported;
  • it is deported in completeness.
  • 20  and see those coming from the north.
• Where is the flock that was given to you,
  • [fn]
  • 21  and you have taught them—allies as head over you?
• Will not labor pains take hold of you,
  • like a woman giving birth?
  • 22  ‘Why have these things happened to me?’
• Because of the greatness of your iniquity your skirts are uncovered;
  • your heels have endured violence.
  • 23  or a leopard his spots?
• Then you also will be able to do good,
  • who are accustomed to doing evil.
  • 24  like stubble scattered by the wind of the desert.[fn]
  • 25 is your lot, the portion of your measure from me,”[fn] Yahweh,
• “because you have forgotten me,
  • and you have trusted in the lie.
  • 26  and your shame will become visible.
  • 27  the shameful behavior of your fornications
• on the hills in the countryside,
  • I have seen your abominations.
• Woe to you, O Jerusalem!
  • [fn]”