18. So I spoke to the people in the morning; and at evening my wife died. So I did in the morning as I was commanded.
19. The people asked me, “Won’t you tell us what these things are to us, that you do so?”
20. Then I said to them, “the Lord’s word came to me, saying,
21. ‘Speak to the house of Israel, “Thus says the Lord GOD: ‘Behold, I will profane my sanctuary, the pride of your power, the desire of your eyes, and that which your soul pities; and your sons and your daughters whom you have left behind will fall by the sword.
22. You will do as I have done. You won’t cover your lips or eat mourner’s bread.