2 the mighty men and warriors,judges and prophets,omen readers and leaders,
3 captains of groups of fifty,the respected citizens,advisers and those skilled in magical arts,and those who know incantations.
4 The Lord says, “I will make youths their officials;malicious young men will rule over them.
5 The people will treat each other harshly;men will oppose each other;neighbors will fight.Youths will proudly defy the elderlyand riffraff will challenge those who were once respected.
6 Indeed, a man will grab his brotherright in his father’s house and say,‘You own a coat – you be our leader!This heap of ruins will be under your control.’
7 At that time the brother will shout,‘I am no doctor,I have no food or coat in my house;don’t make me a leader of the people!’”
8 Jerusalem certainly stumbles,Judah falls,for their words and their actions offend the Lord;they rebel against his royal authority.