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.