15. Are they ashamed of their detestable conduct?No, they have no shame at all;they do not even know how to blush.So they will fall among the fallen;they will be brought down when I punish them,’says the Lord.
16. This is what the Lord says:‘Stand at the crossroads and look;ask for the ancient paths,ask where the good way is, and walk in it,and you will find rest for your souls.But you said, “We will not walk in it.”
17. I appointed watchmen over you and said,“Listen to the sound of the trumpet!”But you said, “We will not listen.”
18. Therefore hear, you nations;you who are witnesses,observe what will happen to them.
19. Hear, you earth:I am bringing disaster on this people,the fruit of their schemes,because they have not listened to my wordsand have rejected my law.
20. What do I care about incense from Shebaor sweet calamus from a distant land?Your burnt offerings are not acceptable;your sacrifices do not please me.’
21. Therefore this is what the Lord says:‘I will put obstacles before this people.Parents and children alike will stumble over them;neighbours and friends will perish.’
22. This is what the Lord says:‘Look, an army is comingfrom the land of the north;a great nation is being stirred upfrom the ends of the earth.