The branches of the trees are withered and broken, and women gather them for firewood. Because the people have understood nothing, God their Creator will not pity them or show them any mercy.

Give to others, and God will give to you. Indeed, you will receive a full measure, a generous helping, poured into your hands---all that you can hold. The measure you use for others is the one that God will use for you."

For God will not show mercy when he judges the person who has not been merciful; but mercy triumphs over judgment.

Babylon, you will be destroyed. Happy are those who pay you back for what you have done to us---

who take your babies and smash them against a rock.

With their bows and arrows they will kill the young men. They will show no mercy to babies and take no pity on children.

The whole crowd answered, "Let the responsibility for his death fall on us and on our children!"

So the people of this time will be punished for the murder of all the prophets killed since the creation of the world,

from the murder of Abel to the murder of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the Holy Place. Yes, I tell you, the people of this time will be punished for them all!