For how can I watch the calamity that will befall my people, and how can I watch the destruction of my relatives?”

For the calamity from God was a terror to me, and by reason of his majesty I was powerless.

Your knowledge is beyond my comprehension; it is so far beyond me, I am unable to fathom it.

I am not able to bear this entire people alone, because it is too heavy for me!

I also said to you at that time, “I am no longer able to sustain you by myself.

If you think, “These nations are more numerous than I – how can I dispossess them?”

Even my close friend whom I trusted, he who shared meals with me, has turned against me.

I will destroy anyone who slanders his neighbor in secret. I will not tolerate anyone who has a cocky demeanor and an arrogant attitude.

Then Jeremiah told Baruch, “I am no longer allowed to go into the Lord’s temple.

All your fortifications will be like fig trees with first-ripe fruit: If they are shaken, their figs will fall into the mouth of the eater!

The guardian said, “Then I am unable to redeem it, for I would ruin my own inheritance in that case. You may exercise my redemption option, for I am unable to redeem it.”

Run there quickly, for I cannot do anything until you arrive there.” (This incident explains why the town was called Zoar.)

“Look, a nation has come out of Egypt, and it covers the face of the earth. Come now and put a curse on them for me; perhaps I will be able to defeat them and drive them out.”

Balak said to Balaam, “Did I not send again and again to you to summon you? Why did you not come to me? Am I not able to honor you?”

If he is able to fight with me and strike me down, we will become your servants. But if I prevail against him and strike him down, you will become our servants and will serve us.”

But he replied, “I can’t go back with you or eat and drink with you in this place.

So I sent messengers to them saying, “I am engaged in an important work, and I am unable to come down. Why should the work come to a halt when I leave it to come down to you?”

Do not bring any more meaningless offerings; I consider your incense detestable! You observe new moon festivals, Sabbaths, and convocations, but I cannot tolerate sin-stained celebrations!

Sometimes I think, “I will make no mention of his message. I will not speak as his messenger any more.” But then his message becomes like a fire locked up inside of me, burning in my heart and soul. I grow weary of trying to hold it in; I cannot contain it.

נ (Nun) My sins are bound around my neck like a yoke; they are fastened together by his hand. He has placed his yoke on my neck; he has sapped my strength. The Lord has handed me over to those whom I cannot resist.