Giving Everything Away for Nothing

10-11 Unlucky mother—that you had me as a son,
    given the unhappy job of indicting the whole country!
I’ve never hurt or harmed a soul,
    and yet everyone is out to get me.
But, God knows, I’ve done everything I could to help them,
    prayed for them and against their enemies.
I’ve always been on their side, trying to stave off disaster.
    God knows how I’ve tried!

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12-14 “O Israel, O Judah, what are your chances
    against the iron juggernaut from the north?
In punishment for your sins, I’m giving away
    everything you’ve got, giving it away for nothing.
I’ll make you slaves to your enemies
    in a strange and far-off land.
My anger is blazing and fierce,
    burning in hot judgment against you.”

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11 The Lord said,

“Surely I will deliver you(A) for a good purpose;
    surely I will make your enemies plead(B) with you
    in times of disaster and times of distress.

12 “Can a man break iron—
    iron from the north(C)—or bronze?

13 “Your wealth(D) and your treasures
    I will give as plunder,(E) without charge,(F)
because of all your sins
    throughout your country.(G)

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