Jeremiah Appeals to the Lord for Vindication

12 Then I said,

“Lord, from the very beginning

you have been seated on your glorious throne on high.

You are the place where we can find refuge.

13 You are the one in whom Israel may find hope.

All who leave you will suffer shame.

Those who turn away from you will be consigned to the nether world.

For they have rejected you, the Lord, the fountain of life.

14 Lord, grant me relief from my suffering

so that I may have some relief.

Rescue me from those who persecute me

so that I may be rescued.

15 Listen to what they are saying to me.

They are saying, “Where are the things the Lord threatens us with?

Come on! Let’s see them happen!”

16 But I have not pestered you to bring disaster.

I have not desired the time of irreparable devastation.

You know that.

You are fully aware of every word that I have spoken.

17 Do not cause me dismay!

You are my source of safety in times of trouble.

18 May those who persecute me be disgraced.

Do not let me be disgraced.

May they be dismayed.

Do not let me be dismayed.

Bring days of disaster on them.

Bring on them the destruction they deserve.”