³⁶ Behold, ^(A)we are slaves this day; in the land that you gave to our fathers to enjoy its fruit and its good gifts, behold, we are slaves. ^37 (B)And its rich yield goes to the kings whom you have set over us because of our sins. They rule over our bodies and over our livestock as they please, and we are in great distress.

¹⁰ Now, therefore, why ^(A)are you putting God to the test ^(B)by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples ^(C)that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear?

²⁹ Take my yoke upon you, and ^(A)learn from me, for I am ^(B)gentle and lowly in heart, and ^(C)you will find rest for your souls.

¹⁴ For thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: I have put upon the neck of all these nations ^(A)an iron yoke to serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, ^(B)and they shall serve him, ^(C)for I have given to him even the beasts of the field.’”

^11 (A)But any nation that will bring its neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon and serve him, I will leave on its own land, to work it and dwell there, declares the Lord.”’”

¹² To ^(B)Zedekiah king of Judah I spoke in like manner: ^(C)“Bring your necks under the yoke of the king of Babylon, and ^(D)serve him and his people and live.

⁸ “‘“But if any nation or kingdom will not serve this Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, ^(A)and put its neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon, I will punish that nation ^(B)with the sword, with famine, and with pestilence, declares the Lord, until I have consumed it by his hand.