We hoped for peace but no good has come, for a time of healing but there is only terror.

Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then is there no healing for the wound of my people?

Have you rejected Judah completely? Do you despise Zion? Why have you afflicted us so that we cannot be healed? We hoped for peace but no good has come, for a time of healing but there is only terror.

Heal me, Lord, and I shall be healed; save me and I shall be saved, for you are the one I praise.

‘This is what the Lord says: ‘“Your wound is incurable, your injury beyond healing.

There is no one to plead your cause, no remedy for your sore, no healing for you.

But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,” declares the Lord, “because you are called an outcast, Zion for whom no one cares.”

‘“Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security.

‘Go up to Gilead and get balm, Virgin Daughter Egypt. But you try many medicines in vain; there is no healing for you.

Babylon will suddenly fall and be broken. Wail over her! Get balm for her pain; perhaps she can be healed.

‘“We would have healed Babylon, but she cannot be healed; let us leave her and each go to our own land, for her judgment reaches to the skies, it rises as high as the heavens.”