1 Then the Lord said to me: “Even if Moses and Samuel should stand before Me, My compassions would not reach out to these people. Send them from My presence, and let them go.
2 If they ask you, ‘Where will we go?’ you must tell them: This is what the Lord says:Those destined for death, to death;those destined for the sword, to the sword.Those destined for famine, to famine;those destined for captivity, to captivity.
3 “I will ordain four kinds of judgment for them” — this is the Lord’s declaration — “the sword to kill, the dogs to drag away, and the birds of the sky and the wild animals of the land to devour and destroy.
4 I will make them a horror to all the kingdoms of the earth because of Manasseh son of Hezekiah, the king of Judah, for what he did in Jerusalem.
5 Who will have pity on you, Jerusalem? Who will show sympathy toward you? Who will turn asideto ask about your welfare?
6 You have left Me. This is the Lord’s declaration.You have turned your back,so I have stretched out My hand against youand destroyed you.I am tired of showing compassion.
7 I scattered them with a winnowing forkat the gates of the land.I made them childless; I destroyed My people.They would not turn from their ways.
8 I made their widows more numerousthan the sand of the seas. I brought a destroyer at noonagainst the mother of young men.I suddenly released on heragitation and terrors.
9 The mother of seven grew faint; she breathed her last breath.Her sun set while it was still day;she was ashamed and humiliated.The rest of them I will give over to the swordin the presence of their enemies.”This is the Lord’s declaration.
10 Woe is me, my mother,that you gave birth to me, a man who incites dispute and conflictin all the land.I did not lend or borrow,yet everyone curses me.
11 The Lord said:I will certainly set you free and care for you. I will certainly intercede for youin a time of trouble,in your time of distress, with the enemy.
12 Can anyone smash iron,iron from the north, or bronze?
13 I will give up your wealthand your treasures as plunder,without cost, for all your sinsin all your borders.
14 Then I will make you serve your enemies in a land you do not know,for My anger will kindle a firethat will burn against you.
15 You know, Lord;remember me and take note of me. Avenge me against my persecutors. In Your patience, don’t take me away.Know that I suffer disgrace for Your honor.
16 Your words were found, and I ate them. Your words became a delight to meand the joy of my heart,for I am called by Your name, Yahweh God of Hosts.
17 I never sat with the band of revelers,and I did not celebrate with them.Because Your hand was on me, I sat alone, for You filled me with indignation.
18 Why has my pain become unending,my wound incurable, refusing to be healed?You truly have become like a mirage to me —water that is not reliable.
19 Therefore, this is what the Lord says:If you return, I will restore you;you will stand in My presence.And if you speak noble words,rather than worthless ones,you will be My spokesman. It is they who must return to you;you must not return to them.
20 Then I will make you a fortified wall of bronzeto this people.They will fight against youbut will not overcome you,for I am with youto save you and deliver you. This is the Lord’s declaration.
21 I will deliver you from the power of evil peopleand redeem you from the control of the ruthless.