Jeremiah 14:1-12

Drought, Famine, Sword 1This is the word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah concerning the drought:

2“Judah mourns, her cities languish; they wail for the land, and a cry goes up from Jerusalem.

3The nobles send their servants for water; they go to the cisterns but find no water. They return with their jars unfilled; dismayed and despairing, they cover their heads.

4The ground is cracked because there is no rain in the land; the farmers are dismayed and cover their heads.

5Even the doe in the field deserts her newborn fawn because there is no grass.

6Wild donkeys stand on the barren heights and pant like jackals; their eyes fail for lack of food.”

7Although our sins testify against us, do something, LORD, for the sake of your name. For we have often rebelled; we have sinned against you.

8You who are the hope of Israel, its Savior in times of distress, why are you like a stranger in the land, like a traveler who stays only a night?

9Why are you like a man taken by surprise, like a warrior powerless to save? You are among us, LORD, and we bear your name; do not forsake us!

10This is what the LORD says about this people: “They greatly love to wander; they do not restrain their feet. So the LORD does not accept them; he will now remember their wickedness and punish them for their sins.” 11Then the LORD said to me, “Do not pray for the well-being of this people.

12Although they fast, I will not listen to their cry; though they offer burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Instead, I will destroy them with the sword, famine and plague.”