3. People of Jerusalem and Judah,don't be so stubborn!Your hearts have become hard,like unploughed groundwhere thorn bushes grow.
4. With all your hearts,keep the agreementI made with you.But if you are stubbornand keep on sinning,my anger will burn like a firethat cannot be put out.
7. An army will come out,like a lion from its den.It will destroy nationsand leave your towns emptyand in ruins.”
8. Then I saidto the people of Israel,“Put on sackcloth!Mourn and cry out,‘The Lord is still angrywith us.’ ”
9. The Lord said,“When all this happens,the king and his officials,the prophets and the priestswill be shocked and terrified.”
27-28. The Lord said:I have made my decision,and I won't change my mind.This land will be destroyed,although not completely.The sky will turn dark,and the earth will mourn.
29. Enemy cavalry and archersshout their battle cry.People run for their livesand try to find safetyamong trees and rocks.Every town is empty.
30. Jerusalem, your landhas been wiped out.But you act like a prostituteand try to win back your lovers,who now hate you.You can put on a red dress,gold jewellery, and eye shadow,but it's no use—your lovers are out to kill you!
31. I heard groaning and crying.Was it a woman giving birthto her first child?No, it was Jerusalem.She was gasping for breathand begging for help.“I'm dying!” she said.“They have murdered me.”