16. Because you traded with countries far away,you learned to be cruel, and you sinned.So I threw you down in disgrace from the mountain of God.And the living creature who guarded youforced you out from among the gems that shined like fire.
17. You became too proudbecause of your beauty.You ruined your wisdombecause of your greatness.I threw you down to the ground.Your example taught a lesson to other kings.
18. You dishonored your places of worshipthrough your many sins and dishonest trade.So I set on fire the place where you lived,and the fire burned you up.I turned you into ashes on the groundfor all those watching to see.
19. All the nations who knew youare shocked about you.Your punishment was so terrible,and you are gone forever.’ ”
20. The Lord spoke his word to me, saying:
21. “Human, look toward the city of Sidon and prophesy against her.
22. Say: ‘This is what the Lord God says:I am against you, Sidon,and I will show my glory among you.People will know that I am the Lordwhen I have punished Sidon;I will show my holiness by defeating her.
23. I will send diseases to Sidon,and blood will flow in her streets.Those who are wounded in Sidon will fall dead,attacked from all sides.Then they will know that I am the Lord.
24. “ ‘No more will neighboring nations be like thorny branches or sharp stickers to hurt Israel. Then they will know that I am the Lord God.
25. “ ‘This is what the Lord God says: I will gather the people of Israel from the nations where they are scattered. I will show my holiness when the nations see what I do for my people. Then they will live in their own land—the land I gave to my servant Jacob.
26. They will live safely in the land and will build houses and plant vineyards. They will live in safety after I have punished all the nations around who hate them. Then they will know that I am the Lord their God.’ ”