1
Yirmeyahu tore his garments, put dust upon his head, and entered the sanctuary.
2
Baruk saw him covered with dust and with his garments torn and cried out: 'Father Yirmeyahu, what has happened? What sin have the people committed?'
3
Yirmeyahu answered that judgment had been decreed against the city because the people had not listened to Torah and had multiplied rebellion.
4
Baruk fell down and lamented for the city, the House, the people, and the coming exile.
5
They remembered the mercies shown from the days of the fathers and asked how the chosen inheritance had come to this condition.
6
Yirmeyahu confessed that the people had trusted in the House while violating the commandments associated with the One whose Name dwelt there.
7
He declared that the city would be handed into the hand of the king of the Kasdim and that the people would be taken to Bavel.
8
Baruk asked whether there remained any path by which the people might receive mercy.
9
Yirmeyahu answered that mercy had not ceased, but the discipline now appointed could not be avoided.
10
He instructed Baruk not to interpret the fall of the city as defeat of Yahuah by foreign elohim.
11
The judgment itself would reveal Yahuah's sovereignty, because He was the One allowing the enemy to enter.
12
They continued in prayer and lamentation while awaiting the command concerning the set-apart vessels.