5. I will fight against you with an outstretched hand and a mighty arm, with anger, rage, and great wrath.
6. I will strike the residents of this city, both man and beast. They will die in a great plague.
7. Afterward’ ” — this is the Lord’s declaration — “ ‘King Zedekiah of Judah, his officers, and the people — those in this city who survive the plague, the sword, and the famine — I will hand over to King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, to their enemies, yes, to those who want to take their lives. He will put them to the sword; he won’t spare them or show pity or compassion.’
8. “But you must say to this people, ‘This is what the Lord says: Look, I am presenting to you the way of life and the way of death.
9. Whoever stays in this city will die by the sword, famine, and plague, but whoever goes out and surrenders to the Chaldeans who are besieging you will live and will retain his life like the spoils of war.
10. For I have turned against this city to bring disaster and not good’ ” — this is the Lord’s declaration. “ ‘It will be handed over to the king of Babylon, who will burn it down.’
11. “And to the house of the king of Judah say this: ‘Hear the word of the Lord!