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.
25. Don’t go out to the fields!Don’t travel on the roads!The enemy’s sword is everywhereand terrorizes us at every turn!
26. Oh, my people, dress yourselves in burlapand sit among the ashes.Mourn and weep bitterly, as for the loss of an only son.For suddenly the destroying armies will be upon you!
27. “Jeremiah, I have made you a tester of metals,that you may determine the quality of my people.
28. They are the worst kind of rebel,full of slander.They are as hard as bronze and iron,and they lead others into corruption.
29. The bellows fiercely fan the flamesto burn out the corruption.But it does not purify them,for the wickedness remains.
30. I will label them ‘Rejected Silver,’for I, the lord, am discarding them.”