21. When the Babylonian king stands at that signpost, he will decide which way to go by shaking his arrows, by asking his idols, and by carefully looking at the liver of a sacrificed animal.
22. His right hand will pull out the arrow marked “Jerusalem”. Then he will immediately give the signal to shout the battle cry, to build earth ramps to the top of the city walls, to break down its walls and gates with large wooden poles, and to kill the people.
23. Everyone in Jerusalem had promised to be loyal to Babylonia, and so none of them will believe that this could happen to them. But Babylonia's king will remind them of their sinful ways and warn them of their coming captivity.
24. Ezekiel, tell the people of Jerusalem and their ruler that I, the Lord God, am saying:Everything you do is wicked and shows how sinful you are. You are guilty and will be taken away as prisoners.
25. And now, you evil and wicked ruler of Israel, your day of final punishment is almost here.
26. I, the Lord God, command you to take off your royal turban and your crown, because everything will be different. Those who had no power will be put in charge, and those who now rule will become nobodies.
27. I will leave Jerusalem in ruins when my chosen one comes to punish this city.