18. "Son of man, the people of Israel have become like scum to me. All of them are like the copper, tin, iron and lead that are left inside a furnace. They are only the scum that is removed from silver."
19. So the Lord and King says, "People of Israel, all of you have become like scum. So I will gather you together in Jerusalem.
20. Men put silver, copper, iron, lead and tin into a furnace. They melt it with a blazing fire. In the same way, I will gather you. I will pour out my burning anger on you. I will put you inside the city and melt you.
21. I will gather you together. My burning anger will blaze out at you. And you will be melted inside Jerusalem.
22. Silver is melted in a furnace. And you will be melted inside the city. Then you will know that I have poured out my burning anger on you. I am the Lord."
23. Another message came to me from the Lord. He said,