11 The Lord showed me something in a vision. Then he asked, “What do you see, Jeremiah?”I answered, “A branch of almonds that ripen early.”
12 “That's right,” the Lord replied, “and I always rise early to keep a promise.”
13 Then the Lord showed me something else and asked, “What do you see now?”I answered, “I see a pot of boiling water in the north, and it's about to spill out towards us.”
14 The Lord said:I will pour out destructionall over the land.
15 Just watch while I sendfor the kings of the north.They will attack and captureJerusalem and other towns,then set up their thronesat the gates of Jerusalem.
16 I will punish my people,because they are guiltyof turning from meto worship idols.
17 Jeremiah, get ready!Go and tell the peoplewhat I command you to say.Don't be frightened by them,or I will make you terrifiedwhile they watch.