Everything I fear and dread comes true.

I have no peace, no rest, and my troubles never end.

I always expected to live a long life and to die at home in comfort.

We hoped for peace and a time of healing, but it was no use; terror came instead.

LORD, have you completely rejected Judah? Do you hate the people of Zion? Why have you hurt us so badly that we cannot be healed? We looked for peace, but nothing good happened; we hoped for healing, but terror came instead.

Why do I keep on suffering? Why are my wounds incurable? Why won't they heal? Do you intend to disappoint me like a stream that goes dry in the summer?"

The people of Maroth anxiously wait for relief, because the LORD has brought disaster close to Jerusalem.

The lamp in their tents will be darkened.

They will be driven out of the land of the living, driven from light into darkness.

(SEE 23:16)

Light shines on the righteous, and gladness on the good.

All of you that honor the LORD and obey the words of his servant, the path you walk may be dark indeed, but trust in the LORD, rely on your God.