¹⁷ “Ah, Lord God, you made the heavens and the earth by your great power and your outstretched arm. Nothing is impossible for you. ¹⁸ You show your steadfast love to thousands, but you permit children to be punished for the guilt of their parents, O great and mighty God whose name is the Lord of hosts. ¹⁹ Great in counsel and mighty in deed, your eyes observe closely all the ways of men, rewarding each one according to his conduct and as his deeds deserve.

²⁰ “You performed marvelous signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, and you have continued to do so in Israel and among all mankind, gaining renown that continues to this very day. ²¹ With a mighty hand and outstretched arm you led your people out of Egypt amid signs and wonders and great terror.

²² “You gave them this land which you had promised with an oath to their ancestors, a land flowing with milk and honey. ²³ They entered and took possession of it, but they did not obey you or live in accordance with your law. And since they refused to do what you had commanded, you permitted all these disasters to befall them.

²⁴ “Behold, the siege-works are already in position to force your people into submission, and the city, a victim of sword, famine, and pestilence, will be handed over to the Chaldeans who are attacking it. What you threatened has come to pass, as you yourself can see. ²⁵ And yet, Lord God, you yourself told me, ‘Purchase the field with money and summon witnesses.’ However, the city has already succumbed to the power of the Chaldeans.”