Jeremiah 15:1-21 CEV

[1] The LORD said to me: Even if Moses and Samuel were here, praying with you, I wouldn't change my mind. So send the people of Judah away. [2] And when they ask where they are going, tell them that I, the LORD, have said: Some of you are going to die of horrible diseases. Others are going to die in war or from starvation. The rest will be led away to a foreign country. [3] I will punish you in four different ways: You will be killed in war and your bodies dragged off by dogs, your flesh will be eaten by birds, and your bones will be chewed on by wild animals. [4] This punishment will happen because of the horrible things your King Manasseh did. And you will be disgusting to all nations on earth. [5] People of Jerusalem, who will feel sorry for you? Will anyone bother to ask if you are well? [6] My people, you abandoned me and walked away. I am tired of showing mercy; that's why I'll destroy you [7] by scattering you like straw blown by the wind. I will punish you with sorrow and death, because you refuse to change your ways. [8] There will be more widows in Judah than grains of sand on a beach. A surprise attack at noon! And the mothers in Jerusalem mourn for their children. [9] A mother is in deep despair and struggles for breath. Her daylight has turned to darkness- she has suffered the loss of her seven sons. I will kill anyone who survives. I, the LORD, have spoken. [10] I wish I had never been born! I'm always in trouble with everyone in Judah. I never lend or borrow money, but everyone curses me just the same. [11] Then the LORD replied, "I promise to protect you, and when disaster comes, even your enemies will beg you for help." [12] The LORD told me to say: People of Judah, just as you can't break iron mixed with bronze, you can't defeat the enemies that will attack from the north. [13] I will give them everything you own, because you have sinned everywhere in your country. [14] My anger is a fire that cannot be put out, so I will make you slaves of your enemies in a foreign land. [15] You can see how I suffer insult after insult, all because of you, LORD. Don't be so patient with my enemies; take revenge on them before they kill me. [16] When you spoke to me, I was glad to obey, because I belong to you, the LORD All-Powerful. [17] I don't go to parties and have a good time. Instead, I keep to myself, because you have filled me with your anger. [18] I am badly injured and in constant pain. Are you going to disappoint me, like a stream that goes dry in the heat of summer? [19] Then the LORD told me: Stop talking like a fool! If you turn back to me and speak my message, I will let you be my prophet once again. I hope the people of Judah will accept what you say. But you can ignore their threats, [20] because I am making you strong, like a bronze wall. They are evil and violent, but when they attack, [21] I will be there to rescue you. I, the LORD, have spoken.