11. Then set the empty pot over the hot coals until it is red-hot. That will clean the pot and burn off the rust.
12. I've tried everything else. Now the rust must be burnt away.
13. Jerusalem is so full of sin and evil that I can't get it clean, even though I have tried. It will stay filthy until I let loose my fierce anger against it.
14. That time will certainly come! And when it does, I won't show the people of Jerusalem any pity or change my mind. They must be punished for the evil they have done. I, the Lord God, have spoken.
15. The Lord said,
16. “Ezekiel, son of man, I will suddenly take the life of the person you love most. But I don't want you to complain or cry.
17. Mourn in silence and don't show that you are grieving. Don't remove your turban or take off your sandals; don't cover your face to show your sorrow, or eat the food that mourners eat.”
18. One morning, I was talking with the people as usual, and by sunset my wife was dead. The next day I did what the Lord told me,
19. and when people saw me, they asked, “Why aren't you mourning for your wife?”
20. I answered:The Lord God says
21. he is ready to destroy the temple in which you take such pride and which makes you feel so safe. Your children who now live in Jerusalem will be killed.
22. Then you will do the same things I have done. You will leave your face uncovered and refuse to eat the food that mourners usually eat.
23. You won't take off your turbans and your sandals. You won't cry or mourn, but all day long you will go around groaning because of your sins.