20. I told them, “The Lord spoke his word to me. He said,
21. ‘Tell the nation of Israel, “This is what the Almighty Lord says: I’m going to dishonor my holy place. You brag that my holy place gives you strength. It’s the thing you love the most. It’s your hearts’ desire. So the sons and daughters that you left behind will die in battle.
22. Then you must do as I did. Don’t cover your faces or eat the food that mourners eat.
23. Leave your turbans on your heads and your sandals on your feet. Don’t grieve or cry! You will waste away because of your guilt and groan to one another.
24. Ezekiel is a sign to you. You will do everything he has done. Then you will know that I am the Almighty Lord.” ’
25. “Son of man, on that day I will take their stronghold away from them. It makes them happy and proud. It is their hearts’ desire and the thing they love the most. I will also take away their sons and daughters.
26. On that day a refugee will come to you to tell you the news.
27. On that very day your mouth will be opened, and you will talk to the refugee. You will speak and not be silent anymore. You will be a sign to them. Then they will know that I am the Lord.”