12. Their households, their fields, and their wiveswill be turned over to others.I will use my power against those who live in the land,”declares the Lord.
13. “All of them, from the least important to the most important,are eager to make money dishonestly.All of them, from prophets to priests, act deceitfully.
14. They treat my people’s wounds as though they were not serious, saying,‘Everything is alright! Everything is alright!’But it’s not alright.
15. Are they ashamed when they do disgusting things?No, they’re not ashamed.They don’t even know how to blush.So they will die with those who die.They will be brought down when I punish them,” says the Lord.
16. This is what the Lord says:Stand at the crossroads and look.Ask which paths are the old, reliable paths.Ask which way leads to blessings.Live that way, and find a resting place for yourselves.But you said that you wouldn’t live that way.
17. I posted watchmen over you.Pay attention to the sound of the ram’s horn.But you said that you wouldn’t pay attention.
18. Listen, you nations,and learn, you witnesses, what will happen to them.
19. Listen, earth!I’m going to bring disaster on these people.It is the result of their own plots,because they won’t pay attention to my words.They reject my teachings.
20. Incense that comes from Sheba is no good to me.Sugar cane that comes from a distant land is no good to me.I won’t accept your burnt offerings.I’m not pleased with your sacrifices.
21. This is what the Lord says:I’m going to lay stumbling blocks in front of these people.Parents and children will stumble over them.Neighbors and their friends will die.
22. This is what the Lord says:An army is going to come from the north.A great nation is preparing itself in the distant parts of the earth.
23. Its people take hold of bows and spears.They are cruel and have no compassion.They sound like the roaring sea.They ride on horses.They march like soldiers ready for battleagainst my people Zion.