1. The Lord said to me:Even if Moses and Samuel were here, praying with you, I wouldn't change my mind. So send the people of Judah away.
2. And when they ask where they are going, tell them that I, the Lord, have said:Some of you are going to dieof horrible diseases.Others are going to die in waror from starvation.The rest will be led awayto a foreign country.
3. I will punish youin four different ways:You will be killed in warand your bodies dragged offby dogs,your flesh will be eaten by birds,and your bones will be chewed onby wild animals.
4. This punishment will happenbecause of the horrible thingsyour King Manasseh did.And you will be disgustingto all nations on earth.
5. People of Jerusalem,who will feel sorry for you?Will anyone botherto ask if you are well?
6. My people, you abandoned meand walked away.I am tired of showing mercy;that's why I'll destroy you
7. by scattering you like strawblown by the wind.I will punish you with sorrowand death,because you refuseto change your ways.
8. There will be more widowsin Judahthan grains of sand on a beach.A surprise attack at midday!And the mothers in Jerusalemmourn for their children.
9. A mother is in deep despairand struggles for breath.Her daylight has turnedto darkness—she has suffered the lossof her seven sons.I will kill anyone who survives.I, the Lord, have spoken.
10. I wish I had never been born!I'm always in troublewith everyone in Judah.I never lend or borrow money,but everyone curses mejust the same.
11. Then the Lord replied,“I promise to protect you,and when disaster comes,even your enemieswill beg you for help.”
12. People of Judah,just as you can't break ironmixed with bronze,you can't defeat the enemieswho will attackfrom the north.
13. I will give themeverything you own,because you have sinnedeverywhere in your country.
14. My anger is a firethat cannot be put out,so I will make you slavesof your enemiesin a foreign land.
15. You can see how I sufferinsult after insult,all because of you, Lord.Don't be so patientwith my enemies;take revenge on thembefore they kill me.
16. When you spoke to me,I was glad to obey,because I belong to you,the Lord All-Powerful.
17. I don't go to partiesand have a good time.Instead, I keep to myself,because you have filled mewith your anger.
18. I am badly injuredand in constant pain.Are you going to disappoint me,like a stream that goes dryin the heat of summer?
19. Then the Lord told me:Stop talking like a fool!If you turn back to meand speak my message,I will let you be my prophetonce again.I hope the people of Judahwill accept what you say.But you can ignore their threats,
20-21. because I am making you strong,like a bronze wall.They are evil and violent,but when they attack,I will be there to rescue you.I, the Lord, have spoken.