1. In the fourth year that Jehoiakim son of Josiah was king of Judah, I received a message from the Lord concerning all the people of Judah. (This was the first year that Nebuchadnezzar was king of Babylonia.)
2. I said to all the people of Judah and of Jerusalem,
3. “For 23 years, from the thirteenth year that Josiah son of Amon was king of Judah until this very day, the Lord has spoken to me, and I have never failed to tell you what he said. But you have paid no attention.
4. You would not listen or pay attention, even though the Lord has continued to send you his servants the prophets.