⁶ “I have destroyed nations;
    their strongholds are demolished.
I have left their streets deserted,
    with no one passing through.
Their cities are laid waste;^(A)
    they are deserted and empty.

⁷ Of Jerusalem I thought,
    ‘Surely you will fear me
    and accept correction!’^(A)
Then her place of refuge^[a] would not be destroyed,
    nor all my punishments come upon^[b] her.
But they were still eager
    to act corruptly^(B) in all they did.