13. “From the least to the greatest,their lives are ruled by greed.From prophets to priests,they are all frauds.
14. They offer superficial treatmentsfor my people’s mortal wound.They give assurances of peacewhen there is no peace.
15. Are they ashamed of their disgusting actions?Not at all—they don’t even know how to blush!Therefore, they will lie among the slaughtered.They will be brought down when I punish them,”says the lord.
16. This is what the lord says:“Stop at the crossroads and look around.Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it.Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls.But you reply, ‘No, that’s not the road we want!’
17. I posted watchmen over you who said,‘Listen for the sound of the alarm.’But you replied,‘No! We won’t pay attention!’
18. “Therefore, listen to this, all you nations.Take note of my people’s situation.
19. Listen, all the earth!I will bring disaster on my people.It is the fruit of their own schemes,because they refuse to listen to me.They have rejected my word.
20. There’s no use offering me sweet frankincense from Sheba.Keep your fragrant calamus imported from distant lands!I will not accept your burnt offerings.Your sacrifices have no pleasing aroma for me.”
21. Therefore, this is what the lord says:“I will put obstacles in my people’s path.Fathers and sons will both fall over them.Neighbors and friends will die together.”
22. This is what the lord says:“Look! A great army coming from the north!A great nation is rising against you from far-off lands.
23. They are armed with bows and spears.They are cruel and show no mercy.They sound like a roaring seaas they ride forward on horses.They are coming in battle formation,planning to destroy you, beautiful Jerusalem.”
24. We have heard reports about the enemy,and we wring our hands in fright.Pangs of anguish have gripped us,like those of a woman in labor.