4. Kings will tell their troops,“If we reach Jerusalemin the morning,we'll attack at midday.But if we arrive later,
5. we'll attack after darkand destroy its fortresses.”
6. I am the Lord All-Powerful,and I will command these armiesto chop down treesand build a ramp up to the wallsof Jerusalem.People of Jerusalem,I must punish youfor your injustice.
7. Evil pours from your citylike water from a spring.Sounds of violent crimesecho within your walls;victims are everywhere,wounded and dying.
8. Listen to me,you people of Jerusalemand Judah.I will abandon you,and your land will becomean empty desert.
9. I will tell your enemiesto leave your nation barelike a vine stripped of grapes.I, the Lord All-Powerful,have spoken.
10. I have told the peoplethat you, Lord,will punish them,but they just laughand refuse to listen.