3. They say to the people, ‘Is it not a good time to build houses? This city is like an iron pot. We are safe inside it like meat in a pot.’
4. Therefore, son of man, prophesy against them loudly and clearly.”
5. Then the Spirit of the lord came upon me, and he told me to say, “This is what the lord says to the people of Israel: I know what you are saying, for I know every thought that comes into your minds.
6. You have murdered many in this city and filled its streets with the dead.
7. “Therefore, this is what the Sovereign lord says: This city is an iron pot all right, but the pieces of meat are the victims of your injustice. As for you, I will soon drag you from this pot.
8. I will bring on you the sword of war you so greatly fear, says the Sovereign lord.
9. I will drive you out of Jerusalem and hand you over to foreigners, who will carry out my judgments against you.
10. You will be slaughtered all the way to the borders of Israel. I will execute judgment on you, and you will know that I am the lord.
11. No, this city will not be an iron pot for you, and you will not be like meat safe inside it. I will judge you even to the borders of Israel,
12. and you will know that I am the lord. For you have refused to obey my decrees and regulations; instead, you have copied the standards of the nations around you.”