en_tn_lite_do_not_use/jer/12/09.md

# Has not my prized possession become a speckled bird, that other birds of prey go against her all around?

Yahweh uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that his people are surrounded by their enemies. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "My prized possession has become a speckled bird and other birds of prey go against her all around." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

# Has not my prized possession

Here Yahweh speaks of his people as his "prized possession." Alternate translation: "Have not my people, who are my prized possession" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

# become a speckled bird, that other birds of prey go against her all around

Here Yahweh speaks of his people being in danger and surrounded by their enemies as if they were a speckled bird surrounded by birds of prey. Alternate translation: "become like a speckled bird, and her enemies are like birds of prey attacking her on all sides" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

# a speckled bird

"a strange looking bird." This refers to a bird that was often picked on and eaten by other birds.

# birds of prey

birds that attack and eat animals

# Go and gather all the wild beasts and bring them to devour her

Yahweh speaks here in the form of a command to strengthen what he says. This command is not directed to a specific person and may be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "Let all the wild beasts in the fields come and eat her" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe]])