1 A message came to me from the Lord. He said,
2 "Son of man, turn your attention to Jerusalem. Preach against the temple. Prophesy against the land of Israel.
3 "Tell them, 'The Lord says, "I am against you. I will pull out my sword. I will cut off from you godly people and sinful people alike.
4 Because I am going to cut them off, my sword will be ready to use. I will strike everyone down from south to north.
5 Then all people will know that I have pulled out my sword. I will not put it back. I am the Lord." '
6 "Groan, son of man! Groan in front of your people with a broken heart and bitter sorrow.