9. At another time I announce that I will build and plant a nation or a kingdom.
10. However, if it does what is evil in My sight by not listening to My voice, I will relent concerning the good I had said I would do to it.
11. So now, say to the men of Judah and to the residents of Jerusalem: This is what the Lord says: I am about to bring harm to you and make plans against you. Turn now, each from your evil way, and correct your ways and your deeds.
12. But they will say, ‘It’s hopeless. We will continue to follow our plans, and each of us will continue to act according to the stubbornness of his evil heart.’ ”
13. Therefore, this is what the Lord says:Ask among the nations,Who has heard things like these?Virgin Israel has done a most terrible thing.
14. Does the snow of Lebanon ever leave the highland crags?Or does cold water flowing from a distance ever fail?
15. Yet My people have forgotten Me. They burn incense to false idolsthat make them stumble in their ways on the ancient roads and walk on new paths, not the highway.
16. They have made their land a horror, a perpetual object of scorn; everyone who passes by it will be horrified and shake his head.
17. I will scatter them before the enemy like the east wind. I will show them My back and not My face on the day of their calamity.
18. Then certain ones said, “Come, let’s make plans against Jeremiah, for instruction will never be lost from the priest, or counsel from the wise, or an oracle from the prophet. Come, let’s denounce him and pay no attention to all his words.”
19. Pay attention to me, Lord.Hear what my opponents are saying!