A short prophecy against the nations, and more warnings for Judah, including a reason for the drought and the inevitability of the calamity to come: Jeremiah 12:14–15:21

Jeremiah had been threatened with death, betrayed by the men from his own town, and had faithfully spoken the words God gave him. It was all a bit much at times, and being nothing if not honest, Jeremiah wrote down his view of his situation:

^{Jeremiah 15:15}Lord, you know what’s happening to me.
Please step in and help me. Punish my persecutors!
Please give me time; don’t let me die young.
It’s for your sake that I am suffering.

God’s answer seems to have been to brace Jeremiah for the trials ahead.

^{Jeremiah 15:19-20}If you return to me, I will restore you
so you can continue to serve me.
If you speak good words rather than worthless ones,
you will be my spokesman.
You must influence them;
do not let them influence you!
They will fight against you like an attacking army,
but I will make you as secure as a fortified wall of bronze.
They will not conquer you,
for I am with you to protect and rescue you.
I, the Lord, have spoken!