23. The people of Jerusalem have made agreements with other nations to help them fight Babylon. So they will think this prediction is wrong, but it is really proof of their sin, and they will be captured.
24. “So this is what the Lord God says: ‘You have shown how sinful you are by turning against the Lord. Your sins are seen in all the things you do. Because of this proof against you, you will be taken captive by the enemy.
25. “ ‘You unclean and evil leader of Israel, you will be killed! The time of your final punishment has come.
26. This is what the Lord God says: Take off the royal turban, and remove the crown. Things will change. Those who are important now will be made unimportant, and those who are unimportant now will be made important.
27. A ruin! A ruin! I will make it a ruin! This place will not be rebuilt until the one comes who has a right to be king. Then I will give him that right.’
28. “And you, human, prophesy and say: ‘This is what the Lord God says about the people of Ammon and their insults:A sword, a swordis pulled out of its holder.It is polished to kill and destroy,to flash like lightning!
29. Prophets see false visions about youand prophesy lies about you.The sword will be put on the necksof these unclean and evil people.Their day of judging has come;the time of final punishment has come.