4. My commands haven't changed since I brought your ancestors out of Egypt, a nation that seemed like a blazing furnace where iron ore is melted. I told your ancestors that if they obeyed my commands, I would be their God, and they would be my people.
5. Then I did what I had promised and gave them this wonderful land, where you now live.“Yes, Lord,” I replied, “that's true.”
6. Then the Lord told me to say to everyone in the streets of Jerusalem and in the towns of Judah:Pay attention to the commands in my agreement with you.
7. Ever since I brought your ancestors out of Egypt, I have been telling your people to obey me. But you and your ancestors
8. have always been stubborn. You have refused to listen, and instead you have done whatever your sinful hearts have desired.You have not kept the agreement we made, so I will make you suffer every curse that goes with it.
9. The Lord said to me:Jeremiah, the people of Judah and Jerusalem are plotting against me.
18-19. Some people plotted to kill me.And like a lambbeing led to the butcher,I knew nothingabout their plans.But then the Lord told methat they had plannedto chop me down like a tree—fruit and all—so that no one would everremember me again.
20. I prayed, “Lord All-Powerful,you always do what is right,and you know every thought.So I trust you to help meand to take revenge.”
21. Then the Lord said:Jeremiah, some men from Anathoth say they will kill you, if you keep on speaking for me.
22. But I will punish them. Their young men will die in battle, and their children will starve to death.
23. And when I have finished, no one from their families will be left alive.