12. But they say, “There is no hope! But we will walk after our own devices, and each of us will do according to the stubbornness of his evil heart.”
13. Therefore thus says the Lord: Ask now among the nations,who has heard such things?The virgin of Israelhas done a very horrible thing.
14. Shall a man leave the snow of Lebanon,which comes from the rock of the field?Shall the cold flowing water that comes from another placebe forsaken?
15. Because My people have forgotten Me,they have burned incense to vain godsand they have stumbled in their waysfrom the ancient paths,to walk in bypaths,not on a highway,
16. to make their land desolate,and a perpetual hissing;everyone who passes by shall be astonishedand shake his head.
17. I will scatter them before the enemyas with an east wind;I will show them the back and not the facein the day of their calamity.
18. Then they said, “Come and let us devise plans against Jeremiah. For the law will not be lost from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet. Come and let us strike him with the tongue, and let us not give heed to any of his words.”
19. Give heed to me, O Lord,and listen to the voice of those who contend with me.
20. Shall evil be recompensed for good?For they have dug a pit for my soul.Remember that I stood before Youto speak good for them,and to turn away Your wrath from them.