⁴ Therefore the law is paralyzed,
    and justice does not go forth perpetually.^[a]
For the wicked surround the righteous;
    therefore justice goes forth perverted.

⁵ “Look among the nations and see;
    be astonished and astounded.
For a work is about to be done in your days
    that you will not believe if it is told.
⁶ For look! I am raising up the Chaldeans,
    the bitter and impetuous nation,
the one who walks through the spacious places of earth
    to take possession of dwellings not belonging to it.^[b]