7. One moment I speak concerning a nation or concerning a kingdom, to uproot, and to tear down, and to destroy it.
8. But if that nation turns back from its evil that I have threatened against it, then I will relent concerning the disaster that I planned to do to it.
9. And the next moment I speak concerning a nation or concerning a kingdom, to build, and to plant it.
10. But if it does evil in my sight, to not listen to my voice, then I will relent concerning the good that I said I would do to it.
11. “So now then, say, please, to the people of Judah and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, saying, ‘Thus says Yahweh, “Look, I am preparing evil against you, and I am planning a plan against you. Please turn back, each one from his evil way, and walk rightly in your ways and your deeds.” ’
12. But they will say, ‘It is hopeless, for we will go after our own plans, and each one of us will act according to the stubbornness of his evil heart.’
13. “Therefore thus says Yahweh, ‘Please ask among the nations, “Who has heard the like of this?” The virgin of Israel has done something very horrible.
14. Does the snow of Lebanon leave from the crags of Sirion? Or are the cold waters flowing from distant mountains dried up?
15. But my people have forgotten me. They make smoke offerings to the idols, and they caused them to stumble in their ways, the ancient ways, to go into bypaths, not one that is built up.
16. To make their land a horror, an object of whistling for eternity. All who pass by it will be appalled, and he will shake his head.