Study Desk

Listen and give heed. Do not be arrogant, for the LORD has spoken.

Give glory to the LORD your God before He brings darkness, before your feet stumble on the dusky mountains. You wait for light, but He turns it into deep gloom and thick darkness.

Say to the king and to the queen mother: "Take a lowly seat, for your glorious crowns have fallen from your heads.

"Judah mourns and her gates languish. Her people wail for the land, and a cry goes up from Jerusalem.

The nobles send their servants for water; they go to the cisterns, but find no water their jars return empty. They are ashamed and humiliated; they cover their heads.

Wild donkeys stand on barren heights; they pant for air like jackals; their eyes fail for lack of pasture."

Although our iniquities testify against us, O LORD, act for the sake of Your name. Indeed, our rebellions are many; we have sinned against You.

Then the LORD said to me, "Do not pray for the well-being of this people.

You are to speak this word to them: "My eyes overflow with tears; day and night they do not cease, for the virgin daughter of my people has been shattered by a crushing blow, a severely grievous wound.

If I go out to the country, I see those slain by the sword; if I enter the city, I see those ravaged by famine! For both prophet and priest travel to a land they do not know."

Have You rejected Judah completely? Do You despise Zion? Why have You stricken us so that we are beyond healing? We hoped for peace, but no good has come, and for the time of healing, but there was only terror.

For the sake of Your name do not despise us; do not disgrace Your glorious throne. Remember Your covenant with us; do not break it.

Can the worthless idols of the nations bring rain? Do the skies alone send showers? Is this not by You, O LORD our God? So we put our hope in You, for You have done all these things.

If they ask you, 'Where shall we go?' you are to tell them that this is what the LORD says: 'Those destined for death, to death; those destined for the sword, to the sword; those destined for famine, to famine; those destined for captivity, to captivity.'

Who will have pity on you, O Jerusalem? Who will mourn for you? Who will turn aside to ask about your welfare?

The LORD said: "Surely I will deliver you for a good purpose; surely I will intercede with your enemy in your time of trouble, in your time of distress.

Your wealth and your treasures I will give up as plunder, without charge for all your sins within all your borders.

Then I will enslave you to your enemies in a land you do not know, for My anger will kindle a fire that will burn against you."

You understand, O LORD; remember me and attend to me. Avenge me against my persecutors. In Your patience, do not take me away. Know that I endure reproach for Your honor.

Your words were found, and I ate them. Your words became a delight to me and my heart's delight, for I bear Your name, O LORD God of Hosts.