3. So I went there and saw the potter working at his wheel.
4. Whenever a piece of pottery turned out imperfect, he would take the clay and make it into something else.
5. Then the Lord said to me,
6. “Haven't I the right to do with you people of Israel what the potter did with the clay? You are in my hands just like clay in the potter's hands.
7. If at any time I say that I am going to uproot, break down, or destroy any nation or kingdom,
8. but then that nation turns from its evil, I will not do what I said I would.
9. On the other hand, if I say that I am going to plant or build up any nation or kingdom,
10. but then that nation disobeys me and does evil, I will not do what I said I would.
11. Now then, tell the people of Judah and of Jerusalem that I am making plans against them and getting ready to punish them. Tell them to stop living sinful lives — to change their ways and the things they are doing.
12. They will answer, ‘No, why should we? We will all be just as stubborn and evil as we want to be.’ ”
13. The Lord says,“Ask every nation if such a thinghas ever happened before.The people of Israel have done a terrible thing!
14. Are Lebanon's rocky heights ever without snow?Do its cool mountain streams ever run dry?
15. Yet my people have forgotten me;they burn incense to idols.They have stumbled in the way they should go,they no longer follow the old ways;they walk on unmarked paths.
16. They have made this land a thing of horror,to be despised for ever.All who pass by will be shocked at what they see;they will shake their heads in amazement.
17. I will scatter my people before their enemies,like dust blown by the east wind.I will turn my back on them;I will not help them when the disaster comes.”