35 Even when our ancestors were living in their kingdom, they did not serve you. They were enjoying all the good things you had given them. They were enjoying the land that was fertile and full of room. But they did not stop their evil ways.

36 “Look, we are slaves today in the land you gave our ancestors. They were to enjoy its fruit and its good things. But look, we are slaves here.

37 The land’s great harvest belongs to the kings you have put over us. This is because of our sins. Those kings rule over us and our cattle as they please. And we are in much trouble.