Drought, Famine, Sword

14 This is the word of the Lord that came to Jeremiah concerning the drought:(A)

“Judah mourns,(B)
    her cities languish;
they 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.(C)
They return with their jars unfilled;
    dismayed and despairing,
    they cover their heads.(D)
The ground is cracked
    because there is no rain in the land;(E)
the farmers are dismayed
    and cover their heads.
Even the doe in the field
    deserts her newborn fawn
    because there is no grass.(F)
Wild donkeys stand on the barren heights(G)
    and pant like jackals;
their eyes fail
    for lack of food.”(H)

Although our sins testify(I) against us,
    do something, Lord, for the sake of your name.(J)
For we have often rebelled;(K)
    we have sinned(L) against you.
You who are the hope(M) of Israel,
    its Savior(N) in times of distress,(O)
why are you like a stranger in the land,
    like a traveler who stays only a night?
Why are you like a man taken by surprise,
    like a warrior powerless to save?(P)
You are among(Q) us, Lord,
    and we bear your name;(R)
    do not forsake(S) us!

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17 “Speak this word to them:

“‘Let my eyes overflow with tears(A)
    night and day without ceasing;
for the Virgin(B) Daughter, my people,
    has suffered a grievous wound,
    a crushing blow.(C)
18 If I go into the country,
    I see those slain by the sword;
if I go into the city,
    I see the ravages of famine.(D)
Both prophet and priest
    have gone to a land they know not.(E)’”

19 Have you rejected Judah completely?(F)
    Do you despise Zion?
Why have you afflicted us
    so that we cannot be healed?(G)
We hoped for peace
    but no good has come,
for a time of healing
    but there is only terror.(H)
20 We acknowledge(I) our wickedness, Lord,
    and the guilt of our ancestors;(J)
    we have indeed sinned(K) against you.
21 For the sake of your name(L) do not despise us;
    do not dishonor your glorious throne.(M)
Remember your covenant(N) with us
    and do not break it.
22 Do any of the worthless idols(O) of the nations bring rain?(P)
    Do the skies themselves send down showers?
No, it is you, Lord our God.
    Therefore our hope is in you,
    for you are the one who does all this.(Q)

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