19. I had been like a gentle lamb that was led off to be killed. I didn't realize they had made plans against me. They had said, "Let's destroy the tree and its fruit. Let's cut him off while he's still living. Then his name won't be remembered anymore."
20. But Lord, you rule over all. You always judge fairly. You put people's hearts and minds to the test. So pay them back for what they've done. I've committed my cause to you.
21. The Lord says, "Jeremiah, here is what I am telling you about the men of Anathoth. They want to kill you. They are saying, 'Don't prophesy in the Lord's name. If you do, we will kill you with our own hands.' "
22. So the Lord who rules over all says, "I will punish them. Their young men will be killed with swords. Their sons and daughters will die of hunger.