15. They will know that I am Yahweh when I disperse them among the nations and scatter them among the countries.
16. But I will spare a few of them from the sword, famine, and plague so they can tell about all their detestable practices among the nations where they go. Then they will know that I am Yahweh.”
17. The word of the Lord came to me:
18. “Son of man, eat your bread with trembling and drink your water with shaking and anxiety.
19. Then say to the people of the land: This is what the Lord God says about the residents of Jerusalem in the land of Israel: They will eat their bread with anxiety and drink their water in dread, for their land will be stripped of everything in it because of the violence of all who live there.
20. The inhabited cities will be destroyed, and the land will become a desolation. Then you will know that I am Yahweh.”
21. Again the word of the Lord came to me:
22. “Son of man, what is this proverb you people have about the land of Israel, which goes:The days keep passing by, and every vision fails?
23. Therefore say to them: This is what the Lord God says: I will put a stop to this proverb, and they will not use it again in Israel. But say to them: The days draw near, as well as the fulfillment of every vision.
24. For there will no longer be any false vision or flattering divination within the house of Israel.
25. But I, Yahweh, will speak whatever message I will speak, and it will be done. It will no longer be delayed. For in your days, rebellious house, I will speak a message and bring it to pass.” This is the declaration of the Lord God.
26. The word of the Lord came to me:
27. “Son of man, notice that the house of Israel is saying, ‘The vision that he sees concerns many years from now; he prophesies about distant times.’
28. Therefore say to them: This is what the Lord God says: None of My words will be delayed any longer. The message I speak will be fulfilled.” This is the declaration of the Lord God.