18. For this is what the Lord says: “At this time I will hurl out those who live in this land; I will bring distress on them so that they may be captured.”
19. Woe to me because of my injury! My wound is incurable! Yet I said to myself, “This is my sickness, and I must endure it.”
20. My tent is destroyed; all its ropes are snapped. My children are gone from me and are no more; no one is left now to pitch my tent or to set up my shelter.
21. The shepherds are senseless and do not inquire of the Lord; so they do not prosper and all their flock is scattered.
22. Listen! The report is coming— a great commotion from the land of the north! It will make the towns of Judah desolate, a haunt of jackals.
23. Lord, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps.
24. Discipline me, Lord, but only in due measure— not in your anger, or you will reduce me to nothing.