1. A message came to me from the Lord. It was shortly after Jehoiakim became king of Judah. He was the son of Josiah.
2. The Lord said, "Stand in the courtyard of my house. Speak to the people of the towns in Judah. Speak to all those who come to worship in my house. Tell them everything I command you. Do not leave out a single word.
3. Perhaps they will listen. Maybe they will turn from their evil ways. Then I will not do what I said I would. I will not bring trouble on them. I had planned to punish them because of the evil things they had done.
4. "Tell them, 'The Lord says, "Listen to me. Obey my law that I gave you.