13. But the people do not return to the one who struck them.They do not follow the Lord of heaven’s armies.
14. So the Lord will cut off Israel’s head and tail.He will take away both the branch and stalk in one day.
15. The elders and important men are the head.The prophets who speak lies are the tail.
16. Those who lead the people lead them in the wrong direction.And those who follow them will be destroyed.
17. So the Lord is not happy with the young men.He will not show mercy to the widows and orphans.All the people are separated from God and are very evil.They all speak lies.But the Lord is still angry.His hand is still raised to strike down the people.
18. Evil is like a small fire.First, it burns weeds and thorns.Next, it burns the larger bushes in the forest.They all go up in a column of smoke.
19. The Lord of heaven’s armies is angry.So the land will be burned.All the people will be burned in that fire.No one will try to save his brother.
20. People will grab something on the right,but they will still be hungry.They will eat something on the left,but they will not be filled.Then each person will turn and eat his own children.
21. The people of Manasseh will fight against the people of Ephraim.And Ephraim will fight against Manasseh.Then both of them will turn against Judah.But the Lord is still angry.His hand is still raised to strike down the people.