1. The Lord said:Jeremiah, go to the pottery shop and buy a clay jar. Then take along some of the city officials and leading priests
2. and go to Hinnom Valley, just outside Potsherd Gate. Tell the people that I have said:
3. I am the Lord All-Powerful, the God of Israel, and you kings of Judah and you people of Jerusalem had better pay attention. I am going to bring so much trouble on this valley that everyone who hears about it will be shocked.
4-5. The people of Judah stopped worshipping me and made this valley into a place of worship for Baal and other gods that have never helped them or their ancestors or their kings. And they have committed murder here, burning their young, innocent children as sacrifices to Baal. I have never even thought of telling you to do that.
6. So watch out! Some day this place will no longer be called Topheth or Hinnom Valley. It will be called Slaughter Valley!
7. You people of Judah and Jerusalem may have big plans, but here in this valley I'll ruin those plans. I'll let your enemies kill you, and I'll tell the birds and wild animals to eat your dead bodies.
8. I will turn Jerusalem into a pile of rubble, and every passer-by will be shocked and horrified and will make insulting remarks.