The first lot went to Jehoiarib, the second to Jedaiah,

the twenty-first to Jakin, the twenty-second to Gamul,

the twenty-first to Hothir and his sons and relatives – twelve in all,

I said to them, “The gates of Jerusalem must not be opened in the early morning, until those who are standing guard close the doors and lock them. Position residents of Jerusalem as guards, some at their guard stations and some near their homes.”

So the people went out and brought these things back and constructed temporary shelters for themselves, each on his roof and in his courtyard and in the courtyards of the temple of God and in the plaza of the Water Gate and the plaza of the Ephraim Gate.

with kings and counselors of the earth who built for themselves places now desolate,

So I waste away like something rotten, like a garment eaten by moths.

His memory perishes from the earth, he has no name in the land.

The righteous see their destruction and rejoice; the innocent mock them scornfully, saying,

“Even today my complaint is still bitter; his hand is heavy despite my groaning.

Yet God finds occasions with me; he regards me as his enemy!

so that the godless man should not rule, and not lay snares for the people.

The likes of it is not on earth, a creature without fear.

When the foundations are destroyed, what can the godly accomplish?”

I carefully obey your commands; I do not deviate from them.

You are holy; you sit as king receiving the praises of Israel.

so that he might continue to live forever and not experience death.

You created the mountains by your power, and demonstrated your strength.

Hold them accountable for all their sins! Do not vindicate them!

They invade like lumberjacks swinging their axes in a thick forest.