1. In the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, this word came from the Lord, saying,
2. "Thus says the Lord, 'Stand in the court of the Lord's house, and speak to all the cities of Judah who have come to worship in the Lord's house all the words that I have commanded you to speak to them. Do not omit a word!
3. Perhaps they will listen and everyone will turn from his evil way, that I may repent of the calamity which I am planning to do to them because of the evil of their deeds.'
4. And you will say to them, 'Thus says the Lord, "If you will not listen to Me, to walk in My law which I have set before you,
5. to listen to the words of My servants the prophets, whom I have been sending to you again and again, but you have not listened;