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18 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?”

19 To this the Lord replied, “If you return, I will take you back, and you will be my servant again. If instead of talking nonsense you proclaim a worthwhile message, you will be my prophet again. The people will come back to you, and you will not need to go to them. 20 I will make you like a solid bronze wall as far as they are concerned. They will fight against you, but they will not defeat you. I will be with you to protect you and keep you safe.

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18 Why is my pain unending
    and my wound grievous and incurable?(A)
You are to me like a deceptive brook,
    like a spring that fails.(B)

19 Therefore this is what the Lord says:

“If you repent, I will restore you
    that you may serve(C) me;
if you utter worthy, not worthless, words,
    you will be my spokesman.(D)
Let this people turn to you,
    but you must not turn to them.
20 I will make you a wall(E) to this people,
    a fortified wall of bronze;
they will fight against you
    but will not overcome(F) you,
for I am with you
    to rescue and save you,”(G)
declares the Lord.

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