12. “Jeremiah, you know that no one can shatter a piece of iron. I mean the kind of iron that is from the north. And no one can shatter a piece of bronze either.
13. The people of Judah have many treasures. I will give these riches to other people. They will not have to buy them, because Judah has many sins. The people sinned in every part of Judah.
14. People of Judah, I will make you slaves of your enemies. You will be slaves in a land that you never knew. I am very angry. My anger is like a hot fire, and you will be burned.”
15. Lord, you understand me. Remember me and take care of me. People are hurting me. Give them the punishment they deserve. You are being patient with them. But don’t destroy me while you remain patient with them. Think about me. Think about the pain I suffer for you.
16. Your words came to me, and I ate them up. They made me very happy. I was glad to be called by your name, Lord God All-Powerful.
17. I never sat with the crowd as they laughed and had fun. I sat by myself because of your influence on me. You filled me with anger at the evil around me.
18. I don’t understand why I still hurt. I don’t understand why my wound is not cured and cannot be healed. I think you have changed. You are like a spring of water that became dry. You are like a spring whose water has stopped flowing.
19. Then the Lord said, “Jeremiah, if you change and come back to me, I will not punish you. If you change and come back to me, then you may serve me. If you speak important things, not worthless words, then you may speak for me. The people of Judah should change and come back to you. But don’t you change and be like them.
20. I will make you strong. The people will think you are strong, like a wall made of bronze. The people of Judah will fight against you, but they will not defeat you. They will not defeat you, because I am with you. I will help you, and I will save you.” This message is from the Lord.