The Nation Hopes in Yahweh

17 “And you shall say to them this word,

• ‘Let my eyes melt with tears night and day,
  • and let them not cease,
• for with a great wound the virgin daughter of my people is broken,
  • with a very incurable wound.
  • 18 If I go out into the field, then look, those slain by the sword.
• And if I enter the city,
  • then look, the sickness of the famine.
• For both prophet and priest wander around through the land,
  • they do not know what is going on .’ ”[fn]
  • 19 Have you completely rejected Judah? Or has your soul[fn] loathed Zion?
• Why have you struck us
  • so that there is no healing for us?
• We hope for peace, but there is no good,
  • and for a time of healing, but look, there is terror.
  • 20 We know, O Yahweh, our wickedness, the iniquity of our ancestors,[fn]
  • for we have sinned against you.
  • 21 You must not spurn us[fn] for the sake of your name, you must not dishonor your glorious throne .[fn]
• Remember us![fn]
  • You must not break your covenant with us.
  • 22 Are there any among the idols of the nation who cause rain to pour? Or can the heavens give showers?
• Is it not you, O Yahweh our God?
  • Therefore, we hope in you, for you do all these things.