5. and with my power I created the earth, its people, and all animals. I decide who will rule the earth,
8. This yoke stands for the power of King Nebuchadnezzar, and I will destroy any nation that refuses to obey him. Nebuchadnezzar will attack, and many will die in battle or from hunger and disease.
9. You might have people in your kingdom who claim they can tell the future by magic or by talking with the dead or by dreams or messages from a god. But don't pay attention if any of them tell you not to obey Nebuchadnezzar.
10. If you listen to such lies, I will have you dragged far from your country and killed.
11. But if you and your nation are willing to obey Nebuchadnezzar, I will let you stay in your country, and your people will continue to live and work on their farms.
12. After I had spoken to the officials from the nearby kingdoms, I went to King Zedekiah and told him the same thing. Then I said:Zedekiah, if you and the people of Judah want to stay alive, you must obey Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonians.