2 “This is what the lord says—the lord who made the earth, who formed and established it, whose name is the lord:
3 Ask me and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come.
4 For this is what the lord, the God of Israel, says: You have torn down the houses of this city and even the king’s palace to get materials to strengthen the walls against the siege ramps and swords of the enemy.
5 You expect to fight the Babylonians, but the men of this city are already as good as dead, for I have determined to destroy them in my terrible anger. I have abandoned them because of all their wickedness.
6 “Nevertheless, the time will come when I will heal Jerusalem’s wounds and give it prosperity and true peace.
7 I will restore the fortunes of Judah and Israel and rebuild their towns.
8 I will cleanse them of their sins against me and forgive all their sins of rebellion.