¹⁵ We hoped for peace, but no peace came.
    We hoped for a time of healing, but found only terror.’

¹² The people of Maroth^[a] anxiously wait for relief,
    but only bitterness awaits them
as the Lord’s judgment reaches
    even to the gates of Jerusalem.

¹¹ They offer superficial treatments
    for my people’s mortal wound.
They give assurances of peace
    when there is no peace.

¹⁰ Then I said, “O Sovereign Lord,
    the people have been deceived by what you said,
for you promised peace for Jerusalem.
    But the sword is held at their throats!”