14 This is what the Lord God of Armies says:Because you’ve talked like this,I’m going to put my words in your mouth like a fire.These people will be like wood.My words will burn them up.
15 Nation of Israel, I’m going to bring a nation from far awayto attack you, declares the Lord.It is a nation that has lasted a long time.It is an ancient nation.You don’t know the language of this nation.You can’t understand what its people say.
16 Their arrow quivers are like open graves.They are all mighty warriors.
17 They will devour your harvest and your food.They will devour your sons and your daughters.They will devour your flocks and your cattle.They will devour your grapevines and your fig trees.With their swords they will destroythe fortified cities you trust.
18 Yet, even in those days, declares the Lord,I won’t destroy all of you.
19 They will ask, “Why has the Lord our God done all this to us?” Answer them, “You have abandoned me and served foreign gods in your land. So you will serve foreigners in a land that isn’t yours.”
20 “Tell this to the descendants of Jacob, and make this heard in Judah: