They said,"Why,O LORD,Godof Israel,has thiscomeabout in Israel,so that onetribeshould be [missing] todayin Israel?"
O God,whyhave You rejected[us] forever?Why does Your angersmokeagainst the sheepof Your pasture?
Whyhave You brokendownits hedges,So that allwho pass[that] waypickits [fruit]?
The foolishnessof manruinshis way,And his heartragesagainstthe LORD.
Why,O LORD,do You cause us to strayfrom Your waysAnd hardenour heartfrom fearingYou? Returnfor the sakeof Your servants,the tribesof Your heritage.
Righteousare You, O LORD,that I would plead[my] casewith You; IndeedI would discussmattersof justicewith You: Whyhas the wayof the wickedprospered?[Why] are allthose who dealin treacheryat ease?
"Allthe nationswill say,Whyhas the LORDdonethusto thisland?Whythisgreatoutburstof anger?'
So the peoplecameto Betheland sattherebeforeGoduntilevening,and liftedup their voicesand weptbitterly.
It cameabout the nextdaythat the peoplearoseearlyand builtan altarthereand offeredburntofferingsand peaceofferings.
