25. Don’t go out into the fieldsor walk down the roads,because the enemy has swords.There is terror on every side.
26. My people, put on rough clothand roll in the ashes to show how sad you are.Cry loudly for those who are dead,as if your only son were dead,because the destroyerwill soon come against us.
27. “Jeremiah, I have made you like a worker who tests metal,and my people are like the ore.You must observe their waysand test them.
28. All my people have turned against me and are stubborn.They go around telling lies about others.They are like bronze and ironthat became covered with rust.They all act dishonestly.
29. The fire is fanned to make it hotter,but the lead does not melt.The pure metal does not come out;the evil is not removed from my people.
30. My people will be called rejected silver,because the Lord has rejected them.”