16. But I will spare a few of them from death by war, famine, or disease, so they can confess all their detestable sins to their captors. Then they will know that I am the lord.”
17. Then this message came to me from the lord:
18. “Son of man, tremble as you eat your food. Shake with fear as you drink your water.
19. Tell the people, ‘This is what the Sovereign lord says concerning those living in Israel and Jerusalem: They will eat their food with trembling and sip their water in despair, for their land will be stripped bare because of their violence.
20. The cities will be destroyed and the farmland made desolate. Then you will know that I am the lord.’”
21. Again a message came to me from the lord:
22. “Son of man, you’ve heard that proverb they quote in Israel: ‘Time passes, and prophecies come to nothing.’
23. Tell the people, ‘This is what the Sovereign lord says: I will put an end to this proverb, and you will soon stop quoting it.’ Now give them this new proverb to replace the old one: ‘The time has come for every prophecy to be fulfilled!’
24. “There will be no more false visions and flattering predictions in Israel.
25. For I am the lord! If I say it, it will happen. There will be no more delays, you rebels of Israel. I will fulfill my threat of destruction in your own lifetime. I, the Sovereign lord, have spoken!”
26. Then this message came to me from the lord:
27. “Son of man, the people of Israel are saying, ‘He’s talking about the distant future. His visions won’t come true for a long, long time.’
28. Therefore, tell them, ‘This is what the Sovereign lord says: No more delay! I will now do everything I have threatened. I, the Sovereign lord, have spoken!’”