11. Let the pot stand empty on its coalsuntil it’s so hot that its copper glows,its impurities melt in it,and its corrosion is consumed.
12. It’s a worthless task.Even by fire its great corrosion isn’t removed.
13. How your betrayals defile you! I cleansed you, but you didn’t come clean from your impurities. You won’t be clean again until I have exhausted my anger against you.
14. I, the Lord, have spoken! It’s coming, and I’ll do it. I won’t relent or have any pity or compassion. Your punishments will fit your ways and your deeds! This is what the Lord God says.
15. The Lord’s word came to me:
16. Human one, I am about to take the delight of your eyes away from you in a single stroke. Don’t mourn or weep. Don’t even let your tears well up.
17. Sigh inwardly; be deathly still. Don’t perform mourning rites, but bind on your turban and put your shoes on your feet. And don’t cover your upper lip or eat in human company.
18. I spoke with the people in the morning, and by evening my wife was dead. The next morning I did as I was commanded.
19. The people asked, "Won’t you tell us what your actions mean for us?"
20. So I said to them, The Lord’s word came to me:
21. Say to the house of Israel, the Lord God proclaims: I’m about to make my sanctuary impure, the pride of your strength, the delight of your eyes. Your heart’s desire, the sons and daughters you left behind, will fall by the sword.