10. but then that nation disobeys me and does evil, I will not do what I said I would.
11. Now then, tell the people of Judah and of Jerusalem that I am making plans against them and getting ready to punish them. Tell them to stop living sinful lives — to change their ways and the things they are doing.
12. They will answer, ‘No, why should we? We will all be just as stubborn and evil as we want to be.’ ”
13. The Lord says,“Ask every nation if such a thinghas ever happened before.The people of Israel have done a terrible thing!
14. Are Lebanon's rocky heights ever without snow?Do its cool mountain streams ever run dry?
15. Yet my people have forgotten me;they burn incense to idols.They have stumbled in the way they should go,they no longer follow the old ways;they walk on unmarked paths.
16. They have made this land a thing of horror,to be despised for ever.All who pass by will be shocked at what they see;they will shake their heads in amazement.
17. I will scatter my people before their enemies,like dust blown by the east wind.I will turn my back on them;I will not help them when the disaster comes.”
18. Then the people said, “Let's do something about Jeremiah! There will always be priests to instruct us, the wise to give us counsel, and prophets to proclaim God's message. Let's bring charges against him, and stop listening to what he says.”