16. The Lord said:My people, when you stoodat the crossroads,I told you, “Follow the roadyour ancestors took,and you will find peace.”But you refused.
17. I also sent prophetsto warn you of danger,but when they sounded the alarm,you paid no attention.
18-19. So I tell all nations on earth,“Watch what I will do!My people ignored meand rejected my laws.They planned to do evil,and now the evil they plannedwill happen to them.”
20. People of Judah,you bring me incense from Shebaand spices from distant lands.You offer sacrifices of all kinds.But why bother?I hate these gifts of yours!
21. So I will put stumbling blocksin your path,and everyone will die,including parents and children,neighbours and friends.
22. The Lord said,“Look towards the north,where a powerful nationhas prepared for war.
23. Its well armed troops are crueland never show mercy.Their galloping horses soundlike ocean wavespounding on the shore.This army will attack you,lovely Jerusalem.”
24. Then the people said,“Just hearing about themmakes us tremble with fear,and we twist and turn in painlike a woman giving birth.”
25. The Lord said,“Don't work in your fieldsor walk along the roads.It's too dangerous.The enemy is well armed