6. The people have rebelledand rejected the Lordtoo many times.So enemies will attacklike lions from the forestor wolves from the desert.Those enemies will watchthe towns of Judah,and like leopardsthey will tear to pieceswhoever goes outside.
7. People of Judah,how can I forgive you?I gave you everything,but you abandoned meand worshipped idols.You men go to prostitutesand are unfaithfulto your wives.
8. You are no better than animals,and you always want sexwith someone else's wife.
9. Why shouldn't I punishthe people of Judah?
10. I will tell their enemies,“Go through my vineyard.Don't destroy the vines,but cut off the branches,because they are the peoplewho don't belong to me.”
11. In every way, Judah and Israelhave been unfaithful to me.
12-13. Their prophets lie and say,“The Lord won't punish us.We will have peaceand plenty of food.”They tell these lies in my name,so now they will be killed in waror starve to death.
14. I am the Lord God All-Powerful.Jeremiah, I will tell youexactly what to say.Your words will be a fire;Israel and Judahwill be the fuel.
15. People of Israel,I have made my decision.An army from a distant countrywill attack you.I've chosen an ancient nation,and you won't understandtheir language.
16. All of them are warriors,and their arrows bring death.
17. This nation will eat your cropsand livestock;they will leave no fruiton your vines or trees.And although you feel safebehind thick walls,your towns will be destroyedand your children killed.
18. The Lord said:Jeremiah, the enemy army won't kill everyone in Judah.
19. And the people who survive will ask, “Why did the Lord our God do such terrible things to us?” Then tell them:I am the Lord,but you abandoned meand worshipped other godsin your own land.Now you will be slavesin a foreign country.