1. In the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, came this word from the Lord, saying,
2. Thus saith the Lord: Stand in the court of the Lord'S house, and speak unto all the cities of Judah, which come to worship in the Lord'S house, all the words that I command thee to speak unto them; keep not back a word.
3. It may be they will hearken, and turn every man from his evil way; that I may repent me of the evil, which I purpose to do unto them because of the evil of their doings.