11. The Lord will speak to these people.He will mock them by speaking in a foreign language.
12. He will say to them,“This is a place for comfort.This is a place of rest for those who are tired.This is a place for them to rest.”But they weren’t willing to listen.
13. The Lord speaks utter nonsense to them.That is why they will fall backwards.That is why they will be hurt, trapped, and captured.
14. So hear the word of the Lord, you foolish talkerswho rule the people in Jerusalem.
15. You say, “We made a treaty with deathand an agreement with the grave.When the overwhelming disaster passes by,it won’t matter to us,because we have taken refuge in our lies,and falsehood is our hiding place.”
16. This is what the Almighty Lord says:I am going to lay a rock in Zion,a rock that has been tested,a precious cornerstone,a solid foundation.Whoever believes ⌊in him⌋ will not worry.
17. I will make justice a measuring lineand righteousness a plumb line.Hail will sweep away your refuge of lies,and floodwaters will wash away your hiding place.
18. Your treaty with death will be wiped away.Your agreement with the grave will not stand.When the overwhelming disaster passes by,you will be trampled by it.
19. Each time it passes by it will take you.It will pass by morning after morning,during the day and during the night.Understanding this message brings only terror.