17. Even with a large army and many people, Pharaoh will not be able to help him in battle when the Babylonians put up dirt ramps and set up blockades to kill many people.
18. The king of Judah broke the promise and the treaty that he pledged to keep. He did all these things, and he can’t go unpunished.
19. “‘So this is what the Almighty Lord says: As I live, I will certainly punish you for rejecting my promise and hating my treaty.
20. I will spread my net over you to catch you in my trap. I will take you to Babylon and judge you there for rebelling against me.
21. The best of your troops will die in battle. Anyone who remains will be scattered in every direction that the wind blows. Then you will know that I, the Lord, have spoken.
22. “‘This is what the Almighty Lord says: I, too, will take hold of the top of a cedar tree. I will break off the highest twig and plant it on a high and lofty mountain.
23. I will plant it on a high mountain in Israel. It will grow branches and produce fruit. It will become a magnificent cedar tree. Every kind of bird will nest in it and find a home in the shelter of its branches.
24. Then all the trees in the field will know that I am the Lord. I cut down tall trees, and I make small trees grow tall. I dry up green trees, and I make dry trees grow. I, the Lord, have spoken, and I will do it.’ ”