1 In the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, this word came from the Lord, saying:
2 Thus says the Lord: Stand in the court of the house of the Lord, and speak to all the cities of Judah who come to worship in the house of the Lord all the words that I command you to speak to them. Do not diminish a word.
3 Perhaps they will listen and turn every man from his evil way, that I may repent of the calamity which I purpose to do to them because of the evil of their deeds.
4 You will say to them: Thus says the Lord: If you will not listen to Me, to walk in My law which I have set before you,
5 to listen to the words of My servants the prophets, whom I sent to you, both rising up early and sending them, but you have not listened,