18. Speak to the king and his mother. Tell them, "Come down from your thrones. Your glorious crowns are about to fall from your heads."
19. The gates of the cities in the Negev Desert will be shut tight. There won't be anyone to open them. You will be carried away as prisoners. You will be taken away completely.
20. Jerusalem , look up! Your enemies are coming from the north. Where is the flock you were supposed to take care of? Where are the sheep you were so proud of?
21. You have worked hard to make special friends. But the Lord will let them rule over you. Then what will you say? Suffering will take hold of you. It will be like the pain of a woman having a baby.
22. Suppose you ask yourself, "Why has this happened to me?" It's because you have committed so many sins. That's the reason your skirt has been torn off. That's why your body has been treated so badly.
23. Can people from Ethiopia change their skin? Can leopards change their spots? It's the same with you. You have always done what is evil. So how can you do what is good?
24. The Lord says, "I will scatter you like straw that the desert wind blows away.
25. That is what will happen to you. I have appointed it for you," announces the Lord. "You have forgotten me. You have trusted in other gods.