The coming destruction

17 Yahweh says this to the people of Jerusalem:

“The army of your enemies surrounds your city,

so gather up your possessions and prepare to leave the city.

18 I will soon throw you out of this land

and cause you to experience great troubles,

with the result that you will have severe pain (OR, none of you will be left here).”

19 The people replied, “It is as though we have been badly wounded,

and we are very grieved;

It is as though we have a very serious illness,

and we must endure the pain.

20 It is as though our great tent is destroyed;

the ropes that held it up have been cut;

our children have gone away from us and will not return;

there are no people left to rebuild our great tent.

21 Our leaders [MET] no longer have any sense;

they no longer ask Yahweh to ◄guide them/tell them what to do►,

so they will no longer prosper,

and all those over whom they rule [MET] will be scattered.

22 Listen! Our enemies’ armies in the north are making a very big noise/commotion

as they march toward us.

The towns in Judah will be destroyed,

and they will become a place where jackals/wolves live.”