4 They say, “Get ready to fight against Jerusalem!Get up! We will attack at noon!But it is already getting late.The evening shadows are growing long.
5 So get up! We will attack at night.We will destroy the strong towers of Jerusalem!”
6 This is what the Lord of heaven’s armies says:“Cut down the trees around Jerusalem.Build an attack ramp to the top of Jerusalem’s walls.This city must be punished!Inside this city is nothing but slavery.
7 Jerusalem pours out her evilas a well pours out its water.The sounds of violence and destruction are heard within her.I can see the sickness and hurts of Jerusalem.
8 Listen to this warning, Jerusalem.If you don’t listen, I will turn my back on you.I will make your land an empty desert.No one will be able to live there!”
9 This is what the Lord of heaven’s armies says:“Gather the few people of Israel who are left alive.Gather them as you would the last grapes on a grapevine.Check each vine again,like someone who gathers grapes.”
10 To whom can I speak? Whom can I warn?Who will listen to me?The people of Israel have closed ears!So they cannot hear my warnings.They don’t like the word of the Lord.They don’t want to listen to it!