15. They should be ashamed of the terrible way they act.But they are not ashamed at all.They don’t even know how to blush about their sins.So they will fall, along with everyone else.They will be thrown to the ground when I punish them,” says the Lord.
16. This is what the Lord says:“Stand where the roads cross and look.Ask where the old way is.Ask where the good way is, and walk on it.If you do, you will find rest for yourselves.But you have said, ‘We will not walk on the good way!’
17. I chose watchmen to watch over you.I told you, ‘Listen for the sound of the war trumpet!’But you said, ‘We will not listen.’
18. So listen, all you nations.Pay attention, you witnesses.Watch what I will do to the people of Judah.
19. Hear this, people of the earth:I am going to bring disaster to the people of Judah!It will happen because of the evil they plan.They have not listened to my messages.They have rejected my teachings.
20. Why do you bring me offerings of incense from the land of Sheba?Why do you bring me sweet-smelling cane from a faraway land?Your burnt offerings will not be accepted.Your sacrifices do not please me.”
21. So this is what the Lord says:“I will put problems in front of Judah.Fathers and sons will stumble over them.Neighbors and friends will die.”
22. This is what the Lord says:“Look, an army is comingfrom the land of the north.A great nation is comingfrom the far sides of the earth.
23. The soldiers carry bows and spears.They are cruel and show no mercy.They sound like the roaring oceanwhen they ride their horses.That army is coming lined up for battle.It is coming to attack you, Jerusalem.”
24. We have heard the news about that army.We are helpless from fear.We feel trapped by our troubles.We are in pain like a woman having a baby.
25. Don’t go out into the fields.Don’t walk down the roads!This is because the enemy has swords.There is terror on every side.
26. My people, put on rough clothand roll in the ashes to show how sad you are.Cry loudly for those who are dead.Cry as if your only son had died.Do it because the destroyerwill soon come against us.
27. “Jeremiah, I have made you like a worker who tests metal.And my people are like the ore for the metal.You must observe their ways.And you must test them.