# verses

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Now ·change [improve; mend] your ·lives and start doing good [ways and your deeds] and ·obey [listen to the voice of] the Lord your God. Then he will ·change his mind and not bring on you [relent of] the ·disaster [evil; trouble] he has told you about.


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But be sure of one thing. If you kill me, you will be ·guilty of killing an innocent person [placing innocent blood on yourselves; ; , ]. ·You will make this city and everyone who lives in it guilty, too […and on this city and everyone who lives in it]! The Lord truly sent me to ·you to give you this message [speak this word in your ears].”


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Then the officers and all the people said to the priests and the prophets, “·Jeremiah must not be killed [This man does not deserve the death penalty]. ·What he told us comes from [He has spoken to us in the name of] the Lord our God.”


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“Micah, from the city of Moresheth [, ], was a prophet during the ·time Hezekiah was [days of Hezekiah] king of Judah. Micah said to all the people of Judah, ‘This is what the Lord ·All-Powerful [Almighty; of Heaven’s Armies; of hosts] says: ·Jerusalem [Zion; the location of the Temple] will be plowed like a field. ·It [Jerusalem] will become a ·pile of rocks [a heap of ruins], and the ·hill [mountain] where the ·Temple [house] stands will be ·covered with bushes [a forested high place; ].’


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“·Hezekiah king of Judah and the people of Judah did not [Did Hezekiah king of Judah and people of Judah try to…?] kill Micah. ·You know [Do you not know…?] that Hezekiah feared the Lord [] and ·tried to please [sought the favor of] the Lord. So the Lord ·changed his mind [relented] and did not bring on Judah the ·disaster [evil; harm] he had promised. We will bring a terrible ·disaster [evil; harm] on ourselves [by hurting Jeremiah]!”


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(Now there was another man who prophesied in the name of the Lord. His name was Uriah son of Shemaiah from the city of Kiriath Jearim. He ·preached [prophesied] the same things against this city [Jerusalem] and this land [Judah] that Jeremiah did.


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When King Jehoiakim, all his army officers, and all the leaders of Judah heard ·Uriah preach [his words], King Jehoiakim ·wanted [sought] to kill Uriah. But Uriah heard about it and was afraid. So he escaped to Egypt.


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and they brought Uriah back from Egypt. Then they took him to King Jehoiakim, who had Uriah ·killed [struck] with a sword. His body was thrown into the burial place where ·poor [common] people are buried.)


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·Ahikam son of Shaphan supported [The hand of Ahikam son of Shaphan was with] Jeremiah [, ]. So Ahikam did not hand Jeremiah over to be killed by the people.


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Nebuchadnezzar Is Made Ruler The Lord spoke his word to Jeremiah soon after ·Zedekiah [or Jehoiakim] son of Josiah was made king of Judah.


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This is what the Lord said to me: “Make a yoke out of straps and poles, and put it on the back of your neck.


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Then send messages to the kings of Edom, Moab, ·Ammon [the sons of Ammon], Tyre, and Sidon by their messengers who have come to Jerusalem to see Zedekiah king of Judah.


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Tell them to give this message to their masters: ‘The Lord ·All-Powerful [Almighty; of Heaven’s Armies; of hosts], the God of Israel, says: “Tell your masters:


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I made the earth, its people, and all its animals with my great power and ·strength [outstretched hand]. I can give the earth to anyone ·I want [that is right in my eyes].


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Now I have given all these lands to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, my servant. I will make even the wild animals ·obey [serve] him.


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All nations will serve Nebuchadnezzar and his son and grandson. Then the time will come for Babylon to be defeated, and many nations and great kings will make Babylon their ·servant [or slave].


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“‘ “But if some nations or kingdoms refuse to serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and refuse to ·be under his control [put their necks under the yoke of the king of Babylon], I will punish them with ·war [the sword], ·hunger [famine], and ·terrible diseases [plague; pestilence], says the Lord. ·I will use Nebuchadnezzar to destroy them […until I have completed its destruction by its hand].


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So don’t listen to your prophets, ·those who use magic to tell the future [your diviners], ·those who explain dreams [your dreamers], the mediums, or magicians. They all tell you, ‘·You will not be slaves to [Do not serve] the king of Babylon.’


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They are ·telling [prophesying to] you lies that will cause you to be taken far from your homeland. I will ·force you to leave [drive you from] your homes, and you will ·die in another land [perish].


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But the nations who ·put themselves under the control [bring their necks under the yoke] of the king of Babylon and serve him I will let stay in their own country, says the Lord. The people from those nations will live in their own land and farm it.”’”


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I gave the same message to Zedekiah king of Judah. I said, “Put yourself under the ·control [yoke] of the king of Babylon and serve him, and you will live.


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Why should you and your people die from ·war [sword], ·hunger [famine], or ·disease [pestilence], as the Lord said would happen to those who do not serve the king of Babylon?


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But the prophets [false prophets] are saying, ‘You will ·never be slaves to [not serve] the king of Babylon.’ Don’t listen to them because they are prophesying lies to you!


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‘I did not send them,’ says the Lord. ‘They are prophesying lies ·and saying the message is from me [in my name]. So I will ·send you away [drive you out; said to Judah]. And you and those prophets who prophesy to you will ·die [perish; ].’”


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Then I [Jeremiah] said to the priests and all this people, “This is what the Lord says: Those false prophets are saying, ‘The ·Babylonians will soon return what they took from the Temple of the Lord [vessels of the house of the Lord will be returned from Babylon; ; ].’ Don’t listen to them! They are prophesying lies to you.


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Don’t listen to those prophets. But serve the king of Babylon, and you will live. ·There is no reason for you to cause Jerusalem to [Why should this city…?] become a ruin.


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If they are prophets and have the ·message from [word of] the Lord, let them ·pray to [intercede with] the Lord ·All-Powerful [Almighty; of Heaven’s Armies; of hosts]. Let them ask that the ·items [vessels] which ·are still [remain] in the ·Temple [house] of the Lord and in the king’s ·palace [house] and in Jerusalem not ·be taken away [go] to Babylon.


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“This is what the Lord ·All-Powerful [Almighty; of Heaven’s Armies; of hosts] says about those ·items [vessels] left in this city [Jerusalem]: the pillars [], the Sea [], the stands [] and other things [bronze basins, various altars, lampstands, and more].


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Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon did not take these away when he ·took as captives [exiled] Jehoiachin [Jeconiah] son of Jehoiakim king of Judah and all the ·other important people [nobles] from Judah and Jerusalem to Babylon.


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This is what the Lord ·All-Powerful [Almighty; of Heaven’s Armies; of hosts], the God of Israel, says about the ·items [vessels] left in the ·Temple [house] of the Lord and in the king’s ·palace [house] and in Jerusalem:


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‘·All of them will also be taken [They will be brought] to Babylon. And they will stay there until the day I ·go to get [attend to] them,’ says the Lord. ‘Then I will bring them back and return them to this place.’”


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The False Prophet Hananiah It was in that same year, in the fifth month of Zedekiah’s fourth year as king of Judah [593 bc], soon after he began to rule. The prophet Hananiah son of Azzur, from the town of Gibeon, spoke to me in the ·Temple [house] of the Lord ·in front [before the eyes] of the priests and all the people. He said:


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“The Lord ·All-Powerful [Almighty; of Heaven’s Armies; of hosts], the God of Israel, says: ‘I have broken the yoke of the king of Babylon.


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Before two years are over, I will ·bring back [restore] ·everything [all the vessels] that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon took to Babylon from the Lord’s ·Temple [house].


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I will also ·bring back [restore] ·Jehoiachin [Jeconiah] son of Jehoiakim king of Judah and all the other ·captives [exiles] from Judah who went to Babylon,’ says the Lord. ‘So I will break the yoke of the king of Babylon.’”


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Then the prophet Jeremiah spoke to the prophet Hananiah ·in front [before the eyes] of the priests and all the people who were standing in the ·Temple [house] of the Lord.


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He said, “Amen! Let the Lord really do that! May the Lord ·make the message you prophesy come true [confirm your word which you prophesied]. May he ·bring back here [restore] ·everything [the vessels] the Lord’s ·Temple [house] and all the ·people who were taken as captives [exiles] to Babylon.


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“But listen to ·what I am going to say to you and [this word which I am speaking in your ears and the ears of] all the people.


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There were prophets long before we became prophets, Hananiah. They prophesied that war, ·hunger [famine; or disaster; calamity], and ·terrible diseases [plague; pestilence] would come to many countries and great kingdoms.


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But if a prophet prophesies that we will have peace and that message comes true, he can be recognized as one truly sent by the Lord [prophets usually came announcing judgment not peace].”


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Hananiah said ·in front [before the eyes] of all the people, “This is what the Lord says: ‘In the same way I will break the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. He put that yoke on all the nations of the world, but I will break it before two years are over.’” After Hananiah had said that, Jeremiah ·left the Temple [went on his way].


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The Lord spoke his word to Jeremiah after the prophet Hananiah had broken the yoke off of the prophet Jeremiah’s neck.


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The Lord said, “Go and tell Hananiah, ‘This is what the Lord says: You have broken a wooden yoke, but I will make a yoke of iron in its place!


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The Lord ·All-Powerful [Almighty; of Heaven’s Armies; of hosts], the God of Israel, says: I will put a yoke of iron on the necks of all these nations to make them serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and they will be slaves to him. I will even give Nebuchadnezzar ·control over the wild animals [the beasts of the field].’ ”


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Then the prophet Jeremiah said to the prophet Hananiah, “Listen, Hananiah! The Lord did not send you, and you have made the people of Judah ·trust [have confidence] in lies.


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So this is what the Lord says: ‘Soon I will ·remove you from [send you off the face of] the earth. You will die this year, because you taught ·the people to turn [rebellion] against the Lord [].’”


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A Letter to the Captives in Babylon This is the ·letter [words of the scroll] that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem to the remaining elders who were among the ·captives [exiles], the priests, and the prophets. He sent it to all the other people Nebuchadnezzar had taken as ·captives [exiles] from Jerusalem to Babylon [in 597 bc; ; ].


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(This ·letter [scroll] was sent after all these people were taken away: Jehoiachin [Jeconiah] the king and the queen mother [Nehushta; ]; the ·officers [servants; eunuchs] and leaders of Judah and Jerusalem; and the craftsmen and metalworkers from Jerusalem.)


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Zedekiah king of Judah sent Elasah son of Shaphan [perhaps the court secretary under Josiah; , ] and Gemariah son of Hilkiah [perhaps the high priest under Josiah; ] to Babylon to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. So Jeremiah gave them this ·letter [scroll] to carry to Babylon:


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This is what the Lord ·All-Powerful [Almighty; of Heaven’s Armies; of hosts], the God of Israel, says to all those ·people I sent away [exiles] from Jerusalem as ·captives [exiles] to Babylon:


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“Build houses and settle ·in the land [down]. Plant gardens and eat ·the food they grow [their fruit].


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·Get married [Take wives] and have sons and daughters. ·Find [Take] wives for your sons, and let your daughters be married so they also may have sons and daughters. ·Have many children in Babylon [Multiply there]; don’t become fewer in number.


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·Also do good things for [Seek the peace/security of] the city where I ·sent you as captives [exiled you]. Pray to the Lord for the city where you are living, because ·if good things happen in the city, good things will happen to you also [in its peace/security you will have peace/security].”


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The Lord ·All-Powerful [Almighty; of Heaven’s Armies; of hosts], the God of Israel, says: “Don’t let the prophets among you and the ·people who do magic [diviners] ·fool [deceive] you. Don’t listen to ·their dreams [their/or your dreams that they/or you dream].


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They are prophesying ·lies [falsehoods] to you, ·saying that their message is from me […in my name]. But I did not send them,” says the Lord.


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This is what the Lord says: “·Babylon will be powerful for seventy years. After that time I will come to [Only after the seventy years of Babylon are filled will I visit; ] you, and I will ·keep my promise [confirm my good word] to ·bring [restore] you back to ·Jerusalem [this place].


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I say this because I know ·what [the plans] I am planning for you,” says the Lord. “I have ·good plans for you [plans for your peace/security], not plans ·to hurt you [for your harm]. I will give you hope and a good future.


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I will let you find me,” says the Lord. “And I will ·bring you back from your captivity [restore your fortunes]. I ·forced you to leave [drove you from] this place, but I will gather you from all the nations, from the places I have ·sent you as captives [exiled you],” says the Lord. “And I will ·bring you back [restore you] to this place.”


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You might say, “The Lord has ·given [raised up/established/confirmed for; ] us prophets here in Babylon.”


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But the Lord says this about the king who is sitting on David’s throne now and all the other people still in this city [Jerusalem], your ·relatives [brothers] who did not go ·as captives to Babylon [out as exiles] with you.


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The Lord ·All-Powerful [Almighty; of Heaven’s Armies; of hosts] says: “I will soon send ·war [sword], ·hunger [famine], and ·terrible diseases [plague; pestilence; against those still in Jerusalem]. I will make them like bad figs that are too rotten to eat [].


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I will ·chase [pursue] them with ·war [sword], ·hunger [famine], and ·terrible diseases [plague; pestilence]. I will make them ·hated by [a horror to] all the kingdoms of the earth. ·People will curse them and be shocked and will use them as a shameful example […an object of cursing, shock, hissing and reproach] ·wherever I make them go [among the nations where I have driven them].


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This is because they have not listened to my message,” says the Lord. “I sent my ·message [word] to them again and again through my servants, the prophets, but they did not listen,” says the Lord.


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You ·captives [exiles], whom I ·forced to leave [sent from] Jerusalem ·and go to [to] Babylon, listen to the message from the Lord.


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The Lord ·All-Powerful [Almighty; of Heaven’s Armies; of hosts], the God of Israel, says this about Ahab son of Kolaiah and Zedekiah son of Maaseiah: “These two men have been prophesying ·lies [falsehood] to you, ·saying that their message is from me [in my name]. But soon I will ·hand over those two prophets to [give them into the hand of] Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and he will ·kill [strike] them ·in front of you [before your eyes].


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Because of them, all the ·captives [exiles] from Judah in Babylon will use this curse: ‘May the Lord ·treat [make] you like Zedekiah and Ahab, whom the king of Babylon ·burned [roasted] in the fire.’


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They have done evil things among the people of Israel. They are guilty of adultery with their neighbors’ wives. They have also spoken ·lies and said those lies were a message from me [falsehoods in my name; ]. I did not ·tell [command] them to do that. I know what they have done; I am a witness to it,” says the Lord.


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The Lord ·All-Powerful [Almighty; of Heaven’s Armies; of hosts], the God of Israel, says: “Shemaiah, you sent ·letters [scrolls] in your name to all the people in Jerusalem, to the priest Zephaniah son of Maaseiah, and to all the priests.


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You said to Zephaniah, ‘The Lord has made you priest in place of Jehoiada. You are to be in charge of the ·Temple [house] of the Lord. You should arrest any ·madman [crazy person] who acts like a prophet. Place him in stocks [wooden restraints] and put an iron collar around his neck.


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He [Jeremiah] has sent [this message] to us in Babylon: You will be there for a long time, so build houses and settle down. Plant gardens and eat ·what they grow [their fruit].’”


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“Send this message to all the ·captives in Babylon [exiles]: ‘This is what the Lord says about Shemaiah the Nehelamite: Shemaiah has prophesied to you, but I did not send him. He has made you ·believe [trust; have confidence in] a lie.


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So the Lord says, I will soon punish Shemaiah the Nehelamite and his ·family [seed]. He will not see the good things I will do for my people, says the Lord. None of his family will be left alive among the people, because he has taught the people to ·turn [rebel] against me.’”


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The Lord, the God of Israel, said: “Jeremiah, write in a ·book [scroll] all the words I have spoken to you.


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The days will come when I will ·bring Israel and Judah back from captivity [restore the fortunes of my people of Israel and Judah],” says the Lord. “I will ·return [restore] them to the land I gave their ancestors, and they will ·own [possess] it!” says the Lord.


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This is what the Lord said: “We hear ·people crying from [the voice/sound of] fear. ·They are afraid; there […and of dread, and there] is no peace.


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Ask this question, and ·consider it [see]: ·A man cannot [Can a man…?] have a baby. So why do I see every strong man ·holding his stomach in pain [with his hands on his side/loins] like a woman ·having a baby [in labor; ; ; ; ; ; ; ]? Why is everyone’s face turning white [like a dead or frightened person’s face]?


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This will be a ·terrible [great] day! There will never be another time like this. This is a time of ·great trouble [distress] for the people of Jacob, but they will be ·saved [rescued] from it.”


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The Lord ·All-Powerful [Almighty; of Heaven’s Armies; of hosts] says, “·At that time [In that day] I will break the yoke from ·their [or your] necks and ·tear [snap] off the ropes that hold ·them [or you]. ·Foreign people [Strangers] will never again make my people slaves.


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“So people of Jacob, my servants, don’t be afraid. Israel, don’t be ·frightened [terrified],” says the Lord. “I will soon ·save [rescue] you from that faraway place. I will ·save [rescue] your ·family [seed] from that land of your captivity. The people of Jacob will be at rest again; no one will frighten them.


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I am with you and will ·save [rescue] you,” says the Lord. “I will ·completely destroy [bring to an end] all those nations where I scattered you, but I will not ·completely destroy you [bring you to an end]. I will ·punish [discipline] you ·fairly [with justice], but I will ·still punish you [not leave you unpunished; ].”


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There is no one to ·argue your case [uphold your cause] and no ·cure [medicine] for your sores. So you will not be healed.


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All your lovers [allied nations] have forgotten you. They don’t ·care about [seek] you. I have ·hurt you [struck you a blow] as an enemy would. I ·punished [disciplined] you ·very hard [harshly], because your ·guilt [iniquity] was so great and your sins were so many.


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Why are you crying out about your injury? There is no cure for your pain. I did these things to you because of your great ·guilt [iniquity], because of your many sins.


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But all those ·nations that destroyed you will now be destroyed [who consumed/devoured you will be consumed/devoured]. All your ·enemies [foes] will become ·captives in other lands [exiles]. Those who ·stole from [plunder] you will ·have their own things stolen [be plundered]. Those who took things from you in war will have their own things taken.


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I will bring back your health and heal your injuries,” says the Lord, “because ·other people forced you away [they called you ‘driven out’/‘an outcast’]. They said about you, ‘No one ·cares about [seeks] ·Jerusalem [Zion; the location of the Temple]!’”


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This is what the Lord said: “I ·will soon make the tents of Jacob’s people as they used to be [am restoring the fortunes of the tents of Jacob], and I will have ·pity [compassion] on their houses. The city will be rebuilt on its ·hill of ruins [mound], and the king’s palace will stand in its ·proper [traditional] place.


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·People in those places will sing songs of praise [Praise/Thanks will go out from them; ]. There will be the sound of laughter. I will ·give them many children [multiply them] so ·their number will not be small [they will not diminish; ; ; ; ]. I will bring ·honor [glory] to them so no one will ·look down on [belittle] them.


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Their ·descendants [children] will be as they were in the old days. ·I will set them up as a strong people [Their congregation will be established] before me, and I will punish ·the nations who have hurt them [their oppressors].


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·One of their own people will lead them [Their noble one will be of them]; their ruler will come from among them []. ·He will come near to me when I invite him [I will bring him near and he will approach me]. Who would dare to ·come to [approach] me uninvited?” says the Lord.


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Look! It is a ·storm [whirlwind] from the Lord! ·He is angry and has gone out to punish the people [Wrath has gone out]. ·Punishment will come like a storm [A whirling storm/tempest comes] ·crashing down on the evil people [swirling around the heads of the wicked; ].


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The Lord will stay angry until he performs and accomplishes the ·intentions [plans] of his ·heart [mind]. ·When that day comes [In future days], you will understand this.


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The New Israel The Lord says, “At that time I will be God of all Israel’s ·family groups [clans], and they will be my people [].”


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This is what the Lord says: “The people who ·were not killed by the enemy’s [survived the] sword found ·help [grace; favor] in the ·desert [wilderness; as during the exodus from Egypt]. I came to give rest to Israel.”


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And from far away the Lord appeared to his people and said, “I love you people with a ·love that will last forever [eternal love]. That is why I have continued showing you ·kindness [loyalty].


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·People [Virgin daughter] of Israel, I will build you up again, and you will be rebuilt. You will pick up your tambourines again and dance with those who are joyful.


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You will plant vineyards again on the hills around Samaria [in northern Israel]. The ·farmers [planters] will plant them and enjoy their fruit.


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There will be a time when ·watchmen [sentinels; guards] in the mountains of Ephraim [northern Israel] ·shout this message [proclaim]: ‘·Come [Get up], let’s go up to ·Jerusalem [Zion; the location of the Temple] to the Lord our God [to worship]!’”


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This is what the Lord says: “·Be happy and sing [Sing with joy] for the people of Jacob. Shout for Israel, the ·greatest [head; foremost] of the nations. ·Sing your praises and shout this [Make yourself heard, praise, and say]: ‘Lord, ·save [rescue] your people, ·those who are left alive from the nation [the remnant] of Israel!’


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Look, I will soon bring them [the remnant of Israel] from the country in the north [Babylon], and I will gather them from the faraway places on earth. Some of the people are blind and ·crippled [lame; ; ]. Some of the women are pregnant, and some are ready to give birth. A great ·many people [assembly] will ·come back [return].


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They will be crying as they come, ·but they will pray as [with supplications] I ·bring [lead] them back. I will lead those people by streams of water [] on an ·even road [straight way] where they will not stumble. I am Israel’s father, and ·Israel [Ephraim; the dominant tribe of the northern kingdom of Israel] is my firstborn son.


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“Nations, listen to the ·message from [word of] the Lord. Tell this message in the faraway ·lands by the sea [coastlands]: ‘The one who scattered the people of Israel will ·bring them back [gather them], and he will ·watch over [keep; guard] his people like a shepherd of a flock. [; ; ; ].’


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The Lord will ·pay for [ransom] the people of Jacob and will ·buy them back [redeem them] from ·people [a hand/power] stronger than they were.


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They [people of Israel] will come to the high points of Jerusalem and shout for joy. ·Their faces will shine with happiness [They will be radiant] about all the good things from the Lord: the grain, new wine, oil, young sheep, and young cows. They will be like a garden that has plenty of water, and they will not ·be troubled [languish] anymore.


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Then ·young women [or virgins; of Israel] will be happy and dance, the young men and old men also. I will change their ·sadness [mourning] into ·happiness [joy]; I will give them comfort and joy instead of ·sadness [lament; ; ].


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The priests will have ·more than enough sacrifices [their fill of fatness], and my people will be ·filled [satisfied; sated] with the good things I give them!” says the Lord.


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This is what the Lord says: “A voice was heard in Ramah [a place from which God’s people were deported into exile; ; ] of ·painful crying [lamentation] and ·deep sadness [bitter weeping]: Rachel crying for her children [the Israelites]. She refused to be comforted, because her children are ·dead [no more]!”


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But this is what the Lord says: “·Stop crying [Refrain your voice from weeping]; ·don’t let your eyes fill with tears [your eyes from tears]. You will be rewarded for your work!” says the Lord. “The people will return from their enemy’s land.


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So there is hope for you in the future,” says the Lord. “Your children will return to their own ·land [borders].


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“I have heard ·Israel [Ephraim] ·moaning [pleading]: ‘Lord, you ·punished [disciplined; instructed] me, and I ·have learned my lesson [was disciplined/instructed]. I was like a calf that had never been trained []. Take me back so that I may come back. You truly are the Lord my God.


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Lord, after I ·wandered away [turned away] from you, I ·changed my heart and life [repented]. After I understood, I beat my ·breast [thigh; showing sorrow]. I was ashamed and ·disgraced [humiliated], because I ·suffered for the foolish things I did when I was young [carried the reproach of my youth].’


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“·You know that Israel is my dear son [Do you know how precious Ephraim is to me…?], The child I ·love [delight in]. Yes, I often speak against him [Israel], but I still remember him. ·I love him very much [My innards roil/churn toward him], and I want to ·comfort [be compassionate toward] him,” says the Lord.


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“·Fix [Put up; Erect] the road ·signs [markers]. ·Put up signs to show you the way home [Make guideposts]. ·Watch the road [Set your heart toward the highway]. Pay attention to the road on which you travel. ·People [Virgin daughter; Young woman] of Israel, ·come home [return; repent], ·come back to [return to these] your towns.


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You are an unfaithful daughter. How long will you ·wander before you come home [waver]? The Lord has ·made [created] something new happen in the land: A woman will ·go seeking [or protect; or embrace; surround] a man.”


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The Lord ·All-Powerful [Almighty; of Heaven’s Armies; of hosts], the God of Israel, says: “I will again do good things for the people of Judah. At that time the people in the land of Judah and its towns will again use these words: ‘May the Lord bless you, ·home of what is good [abode of righteousness], holy mountain.’


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People in all the towns of Judah will live together [in peace]. Farmers and those who ·move around [wander] with their flocks will live together [in peace].


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I will ·give rest [satisfy] and ·strength to [replenish] those who ·are weak [languish] and ·tired [faint].”


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The Lord says, “The ·time is [days are] coming when I will ·help [sow] the ·families [houses] of Israel and Judah ·and their children [with the seed of humans] and ·animals to grow [seed of animals].


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In the past I watched over them [Israel and Judah; ], to ·pull [pluck] them up and ·tear [pull] them down, to destroy them and bring them ·disaster [harm; trouble]. But now I will watch over them to build them up and ·make them strong [to plant them; ],” says the Lord.


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“·At that time [In those days] people will no longer say: ‘The ·parents [fathers] have eaten sour grapes, and that caused the children to ·grind their teeth from the sour taste [be set on edge].’


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Instead, each person will die for his own ·sin [iniquity]; the person who eats sour grapes ·will grind his own teeth [his teeth are set on edge; ; ].


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The New Agreement “Look, the ·time is [days are] coming,” says the Lord, “when I will ·make [cut] a new ·agreement [covenant; treaty] with the ·people [house] of Israel and the ·people [house] of Judah.


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It will not be like the ·agreement [covenant; treaty] I ·made [cut] with their ·ancestors [fathers] when I took them by the hand to bring them out of Egypt [the Mosaic Covenant; ]. I was a ·husband [or master] to them [], but they broke ·that agreement [my covenant/treaty],” says the Lord.


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“This is the ·agreement [covenant; treaty] I will ·make [cut] with the ·people [house] of Israel ·at that time [after those days],” says the Lord: “I will put my ·teachings [laws; instructions] in their ·minds [innards] and write them on their hearts []. I will be their God, and they will be my people [].


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People will no longer have to teach their neighbors and ·relatives [brothers] to know the Lord, because all people will know me, from the least to the most important,” says the Lord. “I will forgive them for ·the wicked things they did [their iniquities], and I will not remember their sins anymore [; ; ; ; ; ; ; ].”


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The Lord Will Never Leave Israel The Lord ·makes [gives] the sun to ·shine in [light] the day and [regulates; fixes the order of] the moon and stars to ·shine at [light the] night []. He stirs up the sea so that its waves ·crash on the shore [roar]. The Lord ·All-Powerful [Almighty; of Heaven’s Armies; of hosts] is his name. This is what the Lord says:


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“Only if these ·laws [statutes; ordinances; requirements; that uphold the natural order] should ever ·fail [give way; ; ],” says the Lord, “will Israel’s ·descendants [seed] ever ·stop [cease] being a nation before me ·forever [for all days].”


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This is what the Lord says: “Only if people can measure the ·sky [heavens] above and ·learn [investigate] the ·secrets [foundations] of the earth below, will I reject all the ·descendants [seed] of Israel because of what they have done,” says the Lord.


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The New Jerusalem The Lord says, “The ·time is [days are] coming when this city [Jerusalem] will be rebuilt for me—everything from the Tower of Hananel [; ; ] to the Corner Gate [; ; ; ].


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The measuring line will stretch from ·the Corner Gate [before it] straight to the hill of Gareb. Then it will turn to the place named Goah.


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The whole valley where dead bodies and ashes are thrown [the Hinnom; ], and all the terraces out to the Kidron Valley on the east as far as the corner of the Horse Gate [; ]—all that area will be holy to the Lord. It [Jerusalem] will never again be torn down or destroyed [].”


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Jeremiah Buys a Field This is the word the Lord spoke to Jeremiah in the tenth year Zedekiah was king of Judah, which was the eighteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar [587 bc; ].


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At that time the army of the king of Babylon was ·surrounding [besieging] Jerusalem. Jeremiah the prophet was ·under arrest [imprisoned; confined] in the courtyard of the guard, which was at the ·palace [house] of the king of Judah.


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Zedekiah king of Judah had ·put Jeremiah in prison there [confined; imprisoned him]. Zedekiah had asked, “Why have you prophesied the things you have?” (Jeremiah had said, “This is what the Lord says: ‘I will soon hand this city [Jerusalem] over to the king of Babylon, and he will capture it.


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Zedekiah king of Judah will not ·escape [be rescued] from the ·Babylonian [Chaldean] army, but he will surely be handed over to the king of Babylon. And he will speak to him [the king of Babylon] face to face and see him with his own eyes.


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The king will take Zedekiah to Babylon, where he will stay until I have punished him,’ says the Lord. ‘If you fight against the Babylonians, you will not succeed.’”)


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Hanamel, son of your uncle Shallum, will come to you soon. Hanamel will say to you, ‘Buy my field near the town of Anathoth [Jeremiah’s hometown; ]. It is your right and your duty to buy that field [because he is a near relative; ].’


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“Then it happened just as the Lord had said. ·My cousin [The son of my uncle] Hanamel came to me in the courtyard of the guard and said to me, ‘Buy for yourself my field near Anathoth in the land of Benjamin. It is your right and duty to buy it and own it.’ So I knew this was a ·message [word] from the Lord.


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“I bought the field at Anathoth from ·my cousin [the son of my uncle] Hanamel, weighing out ·seven ounces [seventeen shekels] of silver for him.


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I ·signed the record [wrote in a scroll] and sealed it and had some people witness it. I also weighed out the silver on the scales.


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Then I took both copies of the ·record [scroll] of ·ownership [purchase]—the one that was sealed that had the demands and ·limits of ownership [terms], and the one that was ·not sealed [exposed].


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And I gave them to Baruch son of Neriah, the son of Mahseiah [36; , ; ]. My cousin Hanamel, the other witnesses who signed the ·record [scroll] of ·ownership [purchase], and many ·Jews [Judeans] sitting in the courtyard of the guard saw me give the ·record [scroll] of ·ownership [purchase] to Baruch.


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‘This is what the Lord ·All-Powerful [Almighty; of Heaven’s Armies; of hosts], the God of Israel, says: Take both copies of the ·record [scroll] of ·ownership [purchase]—the sealed copy and the copy that was ·not sealed [exposed]—and put them in a clay jar so they will ·last [endure; stand] ·a long time [for many days].


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This is what the Lord ·All-Powerful [Almighty; of Heaven’s Armies; of hosts], the God of Israel, says: In the future my people will once again buy houses and fields and vineyards in this land [Israel].’


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“After I gave the ·record [scroll] of ·ownership [purchase] to Baruch son of Neriah, I prayed to the Lord,


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Oh, Lord God, you made the ·skies [heavens] and the earth with your very great power [] and ·strength [outstretched arm]. There is nothing too hard for you to do [; ; ; ].


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You show ·love and kindness [loyalty] to thousands of people, but you also ·bring punishment to children for their parents’ sins [repay the iniquities of the fathers to the laps of their children after them; ; ]. Great and powerful God, your name is the Lord ·All-Powerful [Almighty; of Heaven’s Armies; of hosts].


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You ·plan [are great in counsel] and ·do great things [mighty in deeds]. ·You see everything that people do [Your eyes are open to all the ways/paths of people], and you ·reward people for the way they live and for what they do [give to each according to his way and according to the fruit of his deeds].


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You did ·miracles [signs] and wonderful things in the land of Egypt []. You have continued doing them in Israel and among the other nations even until today. So you have ·become well known [made yourself a name].


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You brought your people, the Israelites, out of Egypt using signs and miracles and your ·great power [strong hand] and ·strength [outstretched arm]. You brought great terror on everyone.


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You gave them this land that you promised to their ·ancestors [fathers] long ago, a ·fertile land [land flowing with milk and honey; ].


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They came into this land and ·took it for their own [possessed it], but they did not ·obey you [listen to your voice] or follow your ·teachings [laws; instructions]. They did not do everything you commanded. So you made all these terrible things happen to them.


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“Look! The ·enemy has surrounded the city and has built roads to the top of the walls [siege ramps have come to the city] to capture it. Because of ·war [sword], ·hunger [famine], and ·terrible diseases [plague; pestilence], the city will be handed over to the ·Babylonians [Chaldeans] who are attacking it. You said this would happen, and now you see it is happening.


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But now, Lord God, you tell me, ‘Buy the field with silver and call in witnesses.’ You tell me this while the ·Babylonian army is ready to capture the city [city is given into the hands of the Chaldeans].”


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“I am the Lord, the God of ·every person on the earth [all flesh]. ·Nothing is impossible [Is anything too hard…?] for me.


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So this is what the Lord says: I ·will soon hand over the city of Jerusalem to [am giving this city into the hand of] the ·Babylonian army [Chaldeans] and ·to [into the hand of] Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, who will capture it.


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The ·Babylonian army [Chaldeans] is already attacking this city [Jerusalem]. They will soon enter it and start a fire to burn down the city and its houses. The people of Jerusalem ·offered sacrifices [or burned incense] to Baal [the chief God of the Canaanites] on the roofs [flat roofs were living space] of those same houses and poured out drink offerings to other idols to make me angry.


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From their youth, the ·people [sons] of Israel and Judah have done only ·the things I said were wrong [evil] in my eyes. They have made me angry by ·worshiping idols made with [the works of] their own hands,” says the Lord.


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“From the day this city was built until now, this city has made me angry, so angry that I must remove it from ·my sight [before me].


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I will destroy it, because of all the evil the ·people [sons] of Israel and Judah have done. The people, their kings and officers, their priests and prophets, all the people of Judah, and the people of Jerusalem have made me angry.


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They turned their backs to me, not their faces. I tried to teach them again and again, but they wouldn’t listen or ·learn [receive instruction/discipline].


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They put their ·hateful idols [abominations] in the ·place where I have chosen to be worshiped [house called by my name], so they made it unclean [in a ritual sense].


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In the Valley of Ben Hinnom they built ·places to worship [high places of; sites associated with pagan worship or inappropriate worship of God] Baal so they could ·burn their sons and daughters as sacrifices [make their sons and daughters pass through (the fire)] to Molech. But I never commanded them to do such a ·hateful thing [abomination]. It never entered my ·mind [heart] that they would do such a thing and cause Judah to sin [; ].


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“You are saying, ‘Because of ·war [sword], ·hunger [famine], and ·terrible diseases [plague; pestilence], the city will be handed over to the king of Babylon.’ But the Lord, the God of Israel, says about this city [Jerusalem]:


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I ·forced them [drove them out] from their land, because I was furious and very angry with them. But soon I will gather them from all the lands where I ·forced them to go [drove them out], and I will ·bring them back [restore them] to this place, where they may live in ·safety [confidence].


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I will ·make them truly want to be one people with one goal [give them one heart and one way/path]. They will truly want to ·worship [fear] me all their ·lives [days], for their own good and for the good of their children after them.


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“I will ·make [cut] an ·agreement with them that will last forever [eternal covenant with them; ; ; ; ; ]. I will never turn away from them; I will always do good to them. I will ·make them want to respect me [place my fear in their hearts] so they will never ·turn away [depart] from me.


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I will enjoy doing good to them. And with ·my whole being [all my heart and all my soul] I will ·surely [in faithfulness] plant them in this land.”


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This is what the Lord says: “I have brought this great ·disaster [harm; trouble] to this people [the people of Israel and Judah]. In the same way I will bring the good things that I promise to do for them.


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You are saying, ‘This land is an ·empty desert [desolation], without people or animals. It has been handed over to the ·Babylonians [Chaldeans].’ But in the future, people will again buy fields in this land.


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They will use their ·money [silver] to buy fields. They will ·sign [write] and seal their ·agreements [scrolls] and call in witnesses. They will again buy fields in the land of Benjamin, in the area around Jerusalem, in the towns of Judah and in the mountains, in the ·western hills [Shephelah], and in ·southern Judah [the Negev]. I will ·make everything as good for them as it once was [restore their fortunes],” says the Lord.


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The Promise of the Lord While Jeremiah was still ·locked up [confined; imprisoned] in the courtyard of the guards, the Lord spoke his word to him a second time:


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“These are the words of the Lord, who made it [the earth; ], ·shaped [formed; like a potter] it, and ·gave it order [established it], whose name is the Lord:


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‘Pray [Call] to me, and I will answer you. I will tell you ·important secrets [great and hidden things] you have never ·heard [known] before.’


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This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says about the houses in this city [Jerusalem] and the ·royal palaces [houses of the king] of Judah that have been torn down ·to be used in defense of the attack by the Babylonian army [against the siege ramps and against the sword]:


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‘Some people will come to fight against the ·Babylonians [Chaldeans]. They will fill them [the houses] with ·the bodies of people [corpses] I ·killed [struck] in my ·hot anger [anger and my wrath]. I have ·turned away [hidden my face] from this city because of all the evil its people have done.


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“‘But then I will bring ·health [recovery] and healing to the people there. I will heal them and ·let them enjoy [reveal to them] ·great [an abundance of] peace and ·safety [security].


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I will ·bring Judah and Israel back from captivity [restore the fortunes of Judah and Israel] and ·make them strong countries [rebuild them] as in the past.


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They sinned against me, but I will ·wash away [cleanse them from] that sin. They did ·evil [iniquity] and ·turned away from [transgressed against] me, but I will forgive them.


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Then it [Jerusalem] will be to me a name that brings joy! And people from all nations of the earth will praise [and glorify] it when they hear about the good things I am doing there. They will ·be surprised [fear] and ·shocked [tremble] at all the good things and the ·peace [or prosperity] I will bring to it.’


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“You are saying, ‘Our country is an ·empty desert [ruin], without people or animals.’ But this is what the Lord says: It is now quiet in the streets of Jerusalem and in the towns of Judah, without people or animals, but ·it will be noisy there soon [there will once more be heard…]!


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·There will be […the] sounds of joy and gladness and the happy sounds of brides and bridegrooms. There will be the sounds of people bringing to the ·Temple [house] of the Lord their offerings of thanks to the Lord. They will say, ‘Praise the Lord ·All-Powerful [Almighty; of Heaven’s Armies; of hosts], because the Lord is good! His ·love [loyalty] continues forever!’ They will say this because I will ·again do good things for Judah [restore the fortunes of the land], as I did in the beginning,” says the Lord.


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This is what the Lord ·All-Powerful [Almighty; of Heaven’s Armies; of hosts] says: “This place is ·empty [a ruin] now, without people or animals. But there will be shepherds in this place [Judah] and pastures where they let their flocks rest.


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·Shepherds will again count their sheep as the sheep walk in front of them [Flocks will again pass under the hand of those who count them]. They will count them in the mountains and in the ·western hills [Shephelah], in ·southern Judah [the Negev] and the land of Benjamin, and around Jerusalem and the other towns of Judah!” says the Lord.


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The Good Branch The Lord says, “The ·time is [days are] coming when I will do the good thing I promised to the people of Israel and Judah.


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In those days and at that time, I will make a ·good [righteous] branch sprout from David’s family [; ; ]. He will do ·what is fair [justice] and ·right [righteousness] in the land.


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·At that time [In those days] Judah will be ·saved [rescued], and the people of Jerusalem will live ·in safety [with confidence]. ·The branch will be named [This one will be called by this]: The Lord ·Does What Is Right [Our Righteousness].”


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This is what the Lord says: “·Someone from David’s family will always sit on the throne of the family [David will never lack a man who will sit on the throne of the house] of Israel [].


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And there will always be priests from the family of Levi. They will always stand before me to offer burnt offerings [] and grain [gift; tribute] offerings [] and sacrifices to me [].”


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“This is what the Lord says: I have an ·agreement [covenant; treaty] with day and night that they will always come at the right times [the covenant with Noah; ]. If you could ·change [break] that ·agreement [covenant; treaty],


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only then could you ·change [break] my ·agreement [covenant; treaty] with David and Levi. Only then would my servant David not have a descendant ruling on his throne. And only then would the family of Levi not be serving me [in the Temple].


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But I will give many ·descendants [seed] to my servant David and to the family group of Levi who serve me. They will be as many as the stars in the sky that no one can count. They will be as many as the grains of sand on the seashore that no one can measure [; ; ].”


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“Have you [Jeremiah] heard what the people are saying? They say: ‘The Lord ·turned away from [rejected] the two ·families [kingdoms; of Israel and Judah] that he chose.’ Now they [hold my people in such contempt that they] don’t think of them as a nation anymore!”


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This is what the Lord says: “If I had not made my ·agreement [covenant; treaty] with day and night [], and if I had not made the ·laws [statutes; ordinances; requirements] for the ·sky [heavens] and earth,


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only then would I ·turn away from [reject] Jacob’s ·descendants [seed]. And only then would I not let the ·descendants [seed] of David my servant rule over the ·descendants [seed] of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. But I will be ·kind [compassionate] to them and ·cause good things to happen to them [restore their fortunes] again.”


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A Warning to Zedekiah The Lord spoke his word to Jeremiah when Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon was fighting against Jerusalem and all the towns around it. Nebuchadnezzar had with him all his army and the armies of all the kingdoms and peoples ·he ruled [under his hand].


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This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, said: “Jeremiah, go to Zedekiah king of Judah and tell him: ‘This is what the Lord says: I will soon hand this city [Jerusalem] over to the king of Babylon, and he will burn it ·down [with fire]!


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You will not escape from ·the king of Babylon [his hand]; you will surely be captured and handed over to him. You will see the king of Babylon ·with your own eyes [eye to eye], and he will talk to you face to face. And you will go to Babylon.


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But, Zedekiah king of Judah, listen to the promise of the Lord. This is what the Lord says about you: You will not be killed with a sword.


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You will die in a peaceful way. As people ·made funeral fires [or burn spices; burn] to honor your ·ancestors [fathers], the kings who ruled before you, so people will ·make a funeral fire [or burn spices; burn] to honor you. They will ·cry for you and sadly [mourn for you and] say, “Ah, master!” I myself make this promise to you, says the Lord [].’”


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This was while the army of the king of Babylon was fighting against Jerusalem and the cities of Judah that ·had not yet been taken [remained]—Lachish and Azekah [fortress cities to the west of Jerusalem]. These were the only ·strong, walled [fortified] cities left in the land of Judah.


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Slaves Are Mistreated The Lord spoke his word to Jeremiah. This was after King Zedekiah had ·made [cut] an ·agreement [covenant; treaty] with all the people in Jerusalem to ·free all the Hebrew slaves [proclaim liberty/emancipation; ; Le; ].


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Everyone was supposed to free his Hebrew slaves, both male and female. No one was to keep a fellow ·Jew [Judean] as a slave.


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All the officers and all the people ·accepted [obeyed] this agreement; they agreed to free their male and female slaves and no longer keep them as slaves. So all the slaves were set free.


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But after that, they [the people who owned slaves] ·changed their minds [turned back]. So they took back the people they had set free and made them slaves again.


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“This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: I brought your ·ancestors [fathers] out of Egypt ·where they were slaves [the house of bondage/slavery] and ·made [cut] an ·agreement [covenant; treaty] with them.


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I said to your ·ancestors [fathers]: ‘At the end of every seven years, each one of you must set his Hebrew slaves free. If a fellow Hebrew has sold himself to you, you must let him go free after he has served you for six years.’ But your ·ancestors [fathers] did not listen or ·pay attention [incline their ear] to me.


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A short time ago you ·changed your hearts [repented] and did what ·I say is right [was right in my eyes]. ·Each of you gave freedom […to proclaim liberty/emancipation] to his fellow Hebrews who were slaves. And you even ·made [cut] an ·agreement [covenant; treaty] before me in the place ·where I have chosen to be worshiped [called by my name].


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But now you have ·changed your minds [turned around]. You have ·shown you do not honor [profaned; dishonored] me. Each of you has taken back the male and female slaves you had set free, and you have forced them to become your slaves again.


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“So this is what the Lord says: You have not ·obeyed [listened to] me. You have not ·given freedom [proclaimed liberty/emancipation] to your fellow Hebrews, neither ·relatives [brothers] nor ·friends [neighbors]. But now I will ·give freedom [proclaim liberty/emancipation to you], says the Lord, to ·war [the sword], to ·terrible diseases [plague; pestilence], and to ·hunger [famine]. I will make you ·hated by [a horror to] all the kingdoms of the earth.


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I will hand over the men who ·broke [transgressed] my ·agreement [covenant; treaty], who have not kept the ·promises [terms of the covenant/treaty] they made before me. They cut a calf into two pieces before me and ·walked between [passed through] the pieces [an ancient oath ritual saying that if one broke the agreement they would die like the calf; ].


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These people made the ·agreement [covenant; treaty] before me by ·walking between [passing through] the pieces of the calf: the leaders of Judah and Jerusalem, the ·officers of the court [or eunuchs], the priests, and all the people of the land.


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So I will hand them over to their enemies and to everyone who ·wants to kill them [seeks their life]. Their ·bodies [corpses] will become food for the birds of the ·air [heavens] and for the wild animals of the earth.


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I will hand Zedekiah king of Judah and his officers over to their enemies, and to everyone who ·wants to kill them [seeks their life], and to the army of the king of Babylon, even though they have ·left Jerusalem [gone up from you].


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I will give the order, says the Lord, to ·bring the Babylonian army back to Jerusalem [return them to this city]. It will fight against it, capture it, set it on fire, and burn it down. I will ·destroy the towns in Judah so that they become ruins [make the towns of Judah a desolation] where no one lives!”


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The Recabite Family Obeys God When Jehoiakim son of Josiah was king of Judah [ruled 609–597 bc], the Lord spoke his word to Jeremiah, saying:


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“Go to the ·family [house] of Recab. Invite them to come to one of the ·side rooms [chambers] of the ·Temple [house] of the Lord, and offer them wine to drink.”


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So I went to get Jaazaniah son of Jeremiah [not the prophet, but a man with the same name], the son of Habazziniah. And I gathered all of Jaazaniah’s brothers and sons and the whole ·family [house] of the Recabites together.


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Then I brought them into the ·Temple [house] of the Lord. We went into the ·room [chamber] of the sons of Hanan son of Igdaliah, who was a man of God. The ·room [chamber] was next to the one where the officers stay and above the ·room [chamber] of Maaseiah son of Shallum, the ·doorkeeper in the Temple [guard/keeper of the threshold].


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Then I put some ·bowls [pitchers] full of wine and some cups before the men of the Recabite ·family [house]. And I said to them, “Drink some wine.”


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But the Recabite men answered, “We never drink wine. Our ·ancestor [father] Jonadab son of Recab [] gave us this command: ‘You and your descendants must never drink wine.


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Also you must never build houses, ·plant [sow] seeds, or plant vineyards, or do any of those things. You must live only in tents all your days. Then you will live ·a long time [many days] in the land where you are ·wanderers [sojourners; resident aliens].’


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So we Recabites ·have obeyed everything [listened to the voice of] Jonadab our ·ancestor [father] commanded us. Neither we nor our wives, sons, or daughters ever drink wine.


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But when Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon ·attacked Judah [came up to the land], we said to each other, ‘Come, we must enter Jerusalem ·so we can escape [from before] the ·Babylonian [Chaldean] army and the Aramean army.’ So we have stayed [lived] in Jerusalem [though they may not be living in houses, in conformity to their ancestor’s command].”


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“This is what the Lord ·All-Powerful [Almighty; of Heaven’s Armies; of hosts], the God of Israel, says: Jeremiah, go and tell the men of Judah and the people of Jerusalem: ‘·You should [Can you not…?] learn a lesson and obey my message,’ says the Lord.


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‘Jonadab son of Recab ordered his descendants not to drink wine, and that command has been obeyed. Until today they have obeyed their ·ancestor’s [father’s] command; they do not drink wine. But I, the Lord, have given you messages again and again, but you did not ·obey [listen to] me.


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I sent all my servants the prophets to you again and again, saying, “Each of you must ·stop doing evil [turn from his evil way/path]. You must change and be good. Do not ·follow [go after] other gods to serve them. If you obey me, you will live in the land I have given to you and your ·ancestors [fathers].” But you have not ·listened [inclined your ear] to me or paid attention to my message.


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The descendants of Jonadab son of Recab obeyed the commands their ancestor gave them, but the people of Judah have not obeyed me [the Recabites carefully observe the law of a human while Israel rejects divine law].’


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“So the Lord God ·All-Powerful [Almighty; of Heaven’s Armies; of hosts], the God of Israel, says: ‘I will soon bring every ·disaster [trouble; evil] I said would come to Judah and to everyone living in Jerusalem. I spoke to those people, but they refused to listen. I called out to them, but they did not answer me.’”


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Then Jeremiah said to the [house of the] Recabites, “This is what the Lord ·All-Powerful [Almighty; of Heaven’s Armies; of hosts], the God of Israel, says: ‘You have ·obeyed [listened to] the commands of your ·ancestor [father] Jonadab and have ·followed all of his teachings [kept/guarded all his commands]; you have done everything he commanded.’


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So this is what the Lord ·All-Powerful [Almighty; of Heaven’s Armies; of hosts], the God of Israel, says: ‘·There will always be a descendant of Jonadab son of Recab to serve me [Jonadab son of Recab will not lack a descendant to stand before me for all days].’”


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Jehoiakim Burns Jeremiah’s Scroll The Lord spoke this word to Jeremiah during the fourth year that Jehoiakim son of Josiah was king of Judah [605 bc]:


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“Get a scroll. Write on it all the words I have spoken to you about Israel and Judah and all the nations. Write everything from when I first spoke to you, when Josiah was king, until now [his prophecies began in the thirteenth year of this king, 626 bc; ].


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Maybe the ·family [house] of Judah will hear what ·disasters [evil; troubles] I am planning to ·bring on [do to] them and will ·stop doing wicked things [turn back from his evil ways/paths]. Then I would forgive them for ·the sins and the evil things they have done [their iniquities and their sins].”


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So Jeremiah called for Baruch son of Neriah [; , ; ]. ·Jeremiah spoke the messages the Lord had given him, and Baruch wrote those messages [Baruch wrote from the mouth of Jeremiah all the words of the Lord which he spoke to him] on the scroll.


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Then Jeremiah commanded Baruch, “I cannot go to the ·Temple [house] of the Lord. I ·must stay here [am confined/restricted/imprisoned].


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So I want you to go to the ·Temple [house] of the Lord on a day when the people are fasting. Read from the scroll ·to [in the ears of] all the people of Judah who come into Jerusalem from their towns. Read the messages from the Lord, which are the words you wrote on the scroll ·as I spoke them to you [from my mouth].


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Perhaps ·they will ask the Lord to help them [their supplications will fall before the Lord]. Perhaps each one will ·stop doing wicked things [turn from their evil ways], because the Lord has announced that he is very angry with them.”


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So Baruch son of Neriah did everything Jeremiah the prophet ·told [commanded] him to do. In the Lord’s ·Temple [house] he read aloud the scroll that had the Lord’s messages written on it.


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In the ninth month of the fifth year that Jehoiakim son of Josiah was king [604 bc], a fast was announced. All the people of Jerusalem and everyone who had come into Jerusalem from the towns of Judah were supposed to ·give up eating to honor [fast before] the Lord.


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At that time Baruch read to all the people there the scroll containing Jeremiah’s words. He read the scroll in the ·Temple [house] of the Lord in the room of Gemariah son of Shaphan, a ·royal secretary [scribe]. That ·room [chamber] was in the upper courtyard at the entrance of the New Gate of the Temple.


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Micaiah son of Gemariah, the son of Shaphan, heard all the messages from the Lord that were on the scroll.


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Micaiah went down to the ·royal secretary’s [scribe’s] room in the king’s ·palace [house] where all of the officers were sitting: Elishama the ·royal secretary [scribe]; Delaiah son of Shemaiah; Elnathan son of Acbor []; Gemariah son of Shaphan; Zedekiah son of Hananiah; and all the other officers.


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Then the officers sent a man named Jehudi son of Nethaniah to Baruch. (Nethaniah was the son of Shelemiah, who was the son of Cushi.) Jehudi said to Baruch, “·Bring [Take in your hand] the scroll that you read ·to [in the ears of] the people and come with me.” So Baruch son of Neriah took in his hand the scroll and went with Jehudi to the officers.


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Then the officers said to Baruch, “Please sit down and read the scroll ·to us [in our ears].” So Baruch read the scroll ·to them [in their ears] .


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When the officers heard all the words, they became afraid and looked at each other. They said to Baruch, “We must certainly tell the king about these words.”


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Then the officers asked Baruch, “Tell us, please, ·where did you get all these words you wrote on the scroll [how did you write all these words]? ·Did you write down what Jeremiah said to you [At his dictation; From his mouth]?”


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“Yes,” Baruch answered. “Jeremiah spoke them ·all to me [from his mouth], and I wrote them down with ink on this scroll.”


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Then the officers said to Baruch, “You and Jeremiah must go and hide, and ·don’t tell anyone [no one must know] where you are.”


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The officers put the scroll in the room of Elishama the ·royal secretary [scribe]. Then they went to the king in the courtyard and told ·him all about the scroll [all these words in the ear of the king].


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So King Jehoiakim sent Jehudi to get the scroll. Jehudi brought the scroll from the room of Elishama the ·royal secretary [scribe] and read it ·to [in the ears of] the king and ·to [in the ears of] all the officers who stood around the king.


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It was the ninth month of the year [late autumn], so King Jehoiakim was sitting in the winter apartment. There was a fire burning in a ·small firepot [brazier] in front of him.


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After Jehudi had read three or four columns, ·the king [he] cut those columns off of the scroll with a penknife and threw them into the ·firepot [brazier]. Finally, the whole scroll was burned in the fire.


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King Jehoiakim and his servants heard ·everything that was said [all these words], but they were not frightened! They did not tear their clothes [to show their sorrow].


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Elnathan, Delaiah, and Gemariah ·even tried to talk [beseeched] King Jehoiakim out of burning the scroll, but he would not listen to them.


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Instead, the king ordered Jerahmeel son of the king, Seraiah son of Azriel, and Shelemiah son of Abdeel to arrest Baruch the ·secretary [scribe] and Jeremiah the prophet. But the Lord had hidden them.


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So King Jehoiakim burned the scroll where Baruch had written ·all the words Jeremiah had spoken to him [from the mouth of Jeremiah]. Then the Lord spoke his word to Jeremiah:


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“Get another scroll. Write all the words on it that were on the first scroll that Jehoiakim king of Judah burned up.


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Also say this to Jehoiakim king of Judah: ‘This is what the Lord says: You burned up that scroll and said, “Why, Jeremiah, did you write on it ‘the king of Babylon will surely come and destroy this land and the people and animals in it’?”


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So this is what the Lord says about Jehoiakim king of Judah: Jehoiakim’s descendants will not sit on David’s throne. When Jehoiakim dies, his body will be thrown out on the ground. It will be left out in the heat of the day and in the frost of the night.


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I will punish Jehoiakim and his ·children [seed] and his servants, because ·they have done evil things [of their guilt/iniquity]. I will bring ·disasters [evil; trouble] upon them and upon all the people in Jerusalem and Judah—everything I promised but which they refused to hear.’”


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So Jeremiah took another scroll and gave it to Baruch son of Neriah, his ·secretary [scribe]. ·As Jeremiah spoke [From the mouth of Jeremiah], Baruch wrote on the scroll the same words that were on the scroll Jehoiakim king of Judah had burned in the fire. And many similar words were added to the second scroll.


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Jeremiah in Prison Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had ·appointed [made king] Zedekiah son of Josiah to be king of Judah [in 597 bc; he ruled until 586 bc]. Zedekiah took the place of ·Jehoiachin [Coniah] son of Jehoiakim.


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But Zedekiah, his servants, and the people of Judah did not listen to the words the Lord had spoken through Jeremiah the prophet.


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Now King Zedekiah sent Jehucal son of Shelemiah and the priest Zephaniah son of Maaseiah [; , ; ] with a message to Jeremiah the prophet. This was the message: “Jeremiah, please pray to the Lord our God for us.”


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At that time Jeremiah had not yet been put into ·prison [the house of confinement]. So he ·was free to go anywhere he wanted [came and went among the people].


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The army of the ·king of Egypt [Pharaoh] had marched from Egypt [toward Judah]. Now the ·Babylonian army [Chaldeans] had ·surrounded [besieged] the city of Jerusalem. When they heard about the Egyptian army marching toward them, the Babylonian army left Jerusalem.


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“This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: Jehucal and Zephaniah, I know Zedekiah king of Judah sent you to seek me [to get his help]. Tell this to King Zedekiah: ‘The army of the king of Egypt came here to help you, but they will ·go back [return] to Egypt.


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After that, the ·Babylonian army [Chaldeans] will return and ·attack [fight] this city [Jerusalem] and capture it and burn it ·down [with fire].’


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“This is what the Lord says: People of Jerusalem, do not ·fool [deceive] yourselves. Don’t say, ‘The ·Babylonian army [Chaldeans] will surely ·leave us alone [go away from us].’ They will not!


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Even if you ·defeated [struck] all of the ·Babylonian army [Chaldeans] that is ·attacking [fighting] you and there were only a few injured men left in their tents, they would ·come from their tents [rise up] and burn ·down Jerusalem [this city with fire]!”


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So the ·Babylonian [Chaldean] army left Jerusalem to fight the army of ·the king of Egypt [Pharaoh].


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Now Jeremiah tried to travel from Jerusalem to the land of Benjamin to get his share of the property ·that belonged to his family [among the people; ].


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When Jeremiah got to the Benjamin Gate [; ; ] of Jerusalem, the captain in charge of the guards arrested him. The captain’s name was Irijah son of Shelemiah son of Hananiah. Irijah said, “You are ·leaving us to join the Babylonians [deserting/defecting/falling to the Chaldeans]!”


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But Jeremiah said to Irijah, “·That’s not true [False; Lies]! I am not ·leaving to join the Babylonians [deserting/defecting/falling to the Chaldeans].” Irijah refused to listen to Jeremiah, so he arrested Jeremiah and took him to the officers of Jerusalem.


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Those ·rulers [officers] were very angry with Jeremiah and ·beat [struck] him. Then they put him in ·jail [house of confinement] in the house of Jonathan the ·royal secretary [scribe], which had been made into a prison [house of confinement].


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So those people put Jeremiah into a cell in a ·dungeon [house of the pit/cistern], and Jeremiah was there for ·a long time [many days].


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Then King Zedekiah sent for Jeremiah and had him brought to the palace. Zedekiah asked him in ·private [secret], “Is there any message from the Lord?” Jeremiah answered, “Yes, there is. Zedekiah, you will be handed over to the king of Babylon.”


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Then Jeremiah said to King Zedekiah, “What ·crime [sin] have I done against you or your officers or the people of Jerusalem? Why have you ·thrown [placed] me into ·prison [the house of confinement]?


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Where are your prophets that prophesied this message to you: ‘The king of Babylon will not attack you or this land’ [Judah]?


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But now, my master, king [of Judah], please listen to me, and please ·do what I ask of [let my pleas for help/supplications fall before] you. Do not send me back to the house of Jonathan the ·royal secretary [scribe], or I will die there!”


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So King Zedekiah gave orders for Jeremiah to be put under guard in the courtyard of the guard and to be given bread each day from the street of the bakers until there was no more bread in the city. So he stayed under guard in the courtyard of the guard.


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Jeremiah Is Thrown into a Well Shephatiah son of Mattan, Gedaliah son of Pashhur, ·Jehucal [Jucal; ] son of Shelemiah, and Pashhur son of Malkijah [] heard what Jeremiah was telling all the people. He said:


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“This is what the Lord says: ‘Everyone who stays in this city [Jerusalem] will die ·from war [by sword], or ·hunger [famine], or ·terrible diseases [plague; pestilence]. But everyone who ·surrenders [goes out] to the ·Babylonian army [Chaldeans] will live; ·they will escape with their lives and [their lives will be plunder and they will] live.’


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And this is what the Lord says: ‘This city will surely be handed over to the army of the king of Babylon. He will capture this city!’”


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Then the officers said to the king, “This man [Jeremiah] must be put to death! He is ·discouraging [demoralizing; weakening the hands of] the soldiers who are still in the city, and all the people, by what he is saying to them. He ·does not want good to happen to us [is not seeking our welfare/peace]; ·he wants to ruin us […only harm/trouble/evil].”


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King Zedekiah said to them, “·Jeremiah is in your control [He is in your hands]. ·I cannot do anything [The king is powerless] to stop you.”


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So they [the officers] took Jeremiah and put him into the ·well [cistern; pit] of Malkijah, the king’s son, which was in the courtyard of the guards. The officers used ropes to lower Jeremiah into the ·well [cistern; pit], which did not have any water in it, only mud. And Jeremiah sank down into the mud.


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But Ebed-Melech, a Cushite [an Ethiopian] and a ·servant [or eunuch] in the ·palace [house of the king], heard that the officers had put Jeremiah into the ·well [cistern; pit]. As King Zedekiah was sitting at the Benjamin Gate,


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“My master and king, these rulers have acted in an evil way. They have treated Jeremiah the prophet badly. They have thrown him into a ·well [cistern; pit] and left him there to die! ·When there [or There] is no more bread in the city, he will starve to death.”


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Then King Zedekiah commanded Ebed-Melech the Cushite, “Take thirty men from the palace and lift Jeremiah the prophet out of the ·well [cistern; pit] before he dies.”


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So Ebed-Melech took the men with him and went to a room under the storeroom in the palace. He took some ·old rags [tattered] and worn-out clothes from that room. Then he let those rags down with some ropes to Jeremiah in the ·well [cistern; well].


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Ebed-Melech the Cushite said to Jeremiah, “Put these ·old rags [tattered] and worn-out clothes under your arms to be pads for the ropes.” So Jeremiah did as Ebed-Melech said.


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The men pulled Jeremiah up with the ropes and lifted him out of the ·well [cistern; pit; ]. And Jeremiah stayed under guard in the courtyard of the guard [].


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Zedekiah Questions Jeremiah Then King Zedekiah sent someone to get Jeremiah the prophet and bring him to the third entrance to the ·Temple [house] of the Lord. The king said to Jeremiah, “I am going to ask you something. Do not hide anything from me, but tell me everything honestly [].”


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Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, “If I give you an answer, ·you will surely [won’t you…?] kill me. And even if I give you advice, you will not listen to me.”


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But King Zedekiah ·made a secret promise [swore in secret] to Jeremiah, “As surely as the Lord lives who has given us breath and life, I will not kill you. And I promise not to hand you over to these men [the officers] who ·want to kill you [seek your life].”


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Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, “This is what the Lord God ·All-Powerful [Almighty; of Heaven’s Armies; of hosts], the God of Israel, says: ‘If you ·surrender [go out] to the officers of the king of Babylon, your life will be saved. This city [Jerusalem] will not be burned ·down [with fire], and you and your ·family [house] will live.


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But if you refuse to ·surrender [go out] to the officers of the king of Babylon, this city will be handed over to the ·Babylonian army [Chaldeans], and they will burn it ·down [with fire]. And you yourself will not escape from ·them [their hand].’”


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Then King Zedekiah said to Jeremiah, “I’m afraid of some ·Jews [Judeans] who have already ·gone over to the side of [deserted/defected/fallen to] the ·Babylonian army [Chaldeans]. If they [the Babylonians] hand me over to them, they will ·treat me badly [abuse me].”


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But Jeremiah answered, “·The Babylonians will not hand you over to the Jews [You will not be given up]. ·Obey [Listen to the voice of] the Lord by doing what I tell you. Then things will go well for you, and your life will be saved.


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But if you refuse to ·surrender [go out] to the Babylonians, the Lord has shown me what will happen.


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All the women left in the ·palace [house] of the king of Judah will be brought out and taken to the important officers of the king of Babylon. Your women will ·make fun of you with this song [say]: ‘Your good friends ·misled [deceived; seduced; enticed] you and ·were stronger than [overpowered] you. While your feet ·were stuck [sank down] in the mud, they ·left [turned their back on] you.’


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“All your wives and children will be brought out and given to the Babylonian army. You yourself will not even escape from them. You will be ·taken prisoner [captured] by the king of Babylon, and this city [Jerusalem] will be burned ·down [with fire].”


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Then Zedekiah said to Jeremiah, “Do not tell anyone that I have been talking to you, or you will die.


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If the officers find out I talked to you, they will come to you and say, ‘Tell us what you said to King Zedekiah and what he said to you. Don’t ·keep any secrets from us [conceal anything from us]. If you don’t tell us everything, we will kill you.’


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If they ask you, tell them, ‘I was ·begging [making my pleas for help/supplications/falling before] the king not to ·send [return] me back to Jonathan’s house to die.’”


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All the officers did come to question Jeremiah. So he told them everything the king had ordered him to say. Then the officers said no more to Jeremiah, because no one had heard what Jeremiah and the king had discussed.


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The Fall of Jerusalem This is how Jerusalem was captured: Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon marched against Jerusalem with his whole army and ·surrounded the city to attack it [besieged it]. This was during the tenth month of the ninth year Zedekiah was king of Judah [January 588 bc; ].


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This lasted until the ninth day of the fourth month in Zedekiah’s eleventh year [July 18, 586 bc]. Then the city wall was ·broken through [breached].


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And all these officers of the king of Babylon came [into Jerusalem] and sat down at the Middle Gate: Nergal-Sharezer ·of the district of Samgar [or Samgar-nebo]; Nebo-Sarsekim, a chief ·officer [or eunuch]; Nergal-Sharezer, ·an important leader [or the Rabmag]; and all the other important officers.


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When Zedekiah king of Judah and all his soldiers saw them, they ·ran away [fled]. They ·left [went out of] Jerusalem at night and went out ·from [by way of] the king’s garden. They went through the gate that was between the two walls and then headed toward the ·Jordan Valley [Arabah].


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But the ·Babylonian [Chaldean] army ·chased [pursued] them and ·caught up with [overtook] Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho. They captured him and took him to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, who was at the town of Riblah in the land of Hamath [north of Israel, in Syria]. There Nebuchadnezzar passed ·his sentence [judgment] on Zedekiah.


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At Riblah the king of Babylon ·killed [slaughtered] Zedekiah’s sons and all the ·important officers [nobles] of Judah ·as Zedekiah watched [before his eyes].


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Then he ·put out [blinded] Zedekiah’s eyes. He put bronze chains on Zedekiah and took him to Babylon.


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The ·Babylonians [Chaldeans] ·set fire to [burned with fire] the ·palace [house of the king] and to the houses of the people, and they ·broke [tore] down the walls around Jerusalem.


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Nebuzaradan, commander of the king’s special guards, took the people left in Jerusalem, those captives who had ·surrendered [deserted; defected; fell] to him earlier, and the rest of the people of Jerusalem, and he ·took them all away [exiled them all] to Babylon.


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But Nebuzaradan, commander of the guard, left some of the poorest people of Judah behind. They owned nothing, but that day he gave them vineyards and fields.


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Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had ·given these orders [commanded] about Jeremiah through Nebuzaradan, commander of the guard:


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“Find Jeremiah and take care of him. Do not ·hurt [do evil to] him, but do for him whatever he asks you.”


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So Nebuchadnezzar sent these men for Jeremiah: Nebuzaradan, commander of the guards; Nebushazban, a chief ·officer [or eunuch]; Nergal-Sharezer, ·an important leader [or the Rabmag]; and all the other officers of the king of Babylon.


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They had Jeremiah taken out of the courtyard of the guard. Then they turned him over to Gedaliah son of Ahikam son of Shaphan [the new governor of the Babylonian province of Judah; ], who had orders to take Jeremiah back home. So they took him home, and he stayed among the people left in Judah.


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“Jeremiah, go and tell Ebed-Melech the Cushite [Ethiopian; ] this message: ‘This is what the Lord ·All-Powerful [Almighty; of Heaven’s Armies; of hosts], the God of Israel, says: Very soon I will make my words about this city [Jerusalem] come true ·through [for] ·disaster [evil; trouble], not ·through [for] ·good times [good]. You will see everything come true with your own eyes.


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But I will ·save [rescue; deliver ] you on that day, Ebed-Melech, says the Lord. You will not be handed over to the people you fear.


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I will surely ·save [rescue] you [Ebed-Melech]. You will not ·die from [fall by] a sword, but ·you will escape and live [your life will be plunder]. This will happen because you have ·trusted [confidence] in me, says the Lord.’”


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Jeremiah Is Set Free The Lord spoke his word to Jeremiah after Nebuzaradan, commander of the guards, had ·set Jeremiah free at the city of [released/sent him from] Ramah. He had found Jeremiah in Ramah bound in ·chains [fetters] with all the ·captives [exiles] from Jerusalem and Judah who were being ·taken away [exiled] to Babylon.


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When commander ·Nebuzaradan [of the guards] ·found [took] Jeremiah, Nebuzaradan said to him, “The Lord your God announced this ·disaster [evil; trouble] would come to this place.


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And now the Lord has done everything he ·said [promised] he would do. This ·disaster [evil; trouble] happened because you [the people of Judah] sinned against the Lord and did not ·obey him [listen to his voice].


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But today I am ·freeing [releasing] you from the ·chains [fetters] on your ·wrists [hands]. If ·you want to [it is good in your eyes], come with me to Babylon, and I will ·take good care of you [set my eyes on you]. But if ·you don’t want to come [it is wrong/evil/bad in your eyes to come with me to Babylon], then ·don’t [fine]. Look, the whole country is open to you. Go wherever ·you wish [it is good and right in your eyes].”


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Before Jeremiah turned to leave, Nebuzaradan said, “Or go back to Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan. The king of Babylon has ·chosen [appointed] him to be governor over the towns of Judah. Go and ·live [stay] with Gedaliah among the people, or go anywhere ·you want [it is right in your eyes].” Then Nebuzaradan gave Jeremiah some ·food [provisions] and a ·present [gift] and let him go.


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So Jeremiah went to Gedaliah son of Ahikam at Mizpah [perhaps Tell en-Nasbeh eight miles north of Jerusalem; ; ; ] and stayed with him there. He lived among the people who ·were left behind in Judah [remained in the land].


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The Short Rule of Gedaliah Some officers and their men from the army of Judah were still out in the open country. They heard that the king of Babylon had ·put [appointed] Gedaliah son of Ahikam ·in charge of the people [governor of those] who ·were left [remained] in the land: the men, women, and children who were the poorest. They were the ones who were not ·taken to Babylon as captives [exiled to Babylon].


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So these soldiers came to Gedaliah at Mizpah: Ishmael son of Nethaniah, Johanan and Jonathan sons of Kareah, Seraiah son of Tanhumeth, the sons of Ephai the Netophathite, Jaazaniah son of the Maacathite, and their men.


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Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, ·made a promise [swore] to them, saying, “Do not be afraid to serve the ·Babylonians [Chaldeans]. Stay in the land and serve the king of Babylon. Then everything will go well for you.


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I myself will live in Mizpah and will ·speak for you [represent you; stand] before the ·Babylonians [Chaldeans] who come to us here. Harvest the wine, the summer fruit, and the oil, and put what you harvest in your storage jars. Live in the towns you control.”


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The ·Jews [Judeans] in Moab, ·Ammon [the sons of Ammon], Edom, and other countries also heard that the king of Babylon had left a ·few Jews alive in the land [remnant in Judea]. And they heard the king of Babylon had ·chosen [appointed] Gedaliah as governor over them. (Gedaliah was the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan.)


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When the people of Judah heard this news, they came back to Judah from all the countries where they had been scattered. They came to Gedaliah at Mizpah and gathered a large harvest of wine and summer fruit.


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Johanan son of Kareah and all the army officers of Judah still in the open country came to Gedaliah at Mizpah.


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They said to him, “Don’t you know that Baalis king of the ·Ammonite people [sons of Ammon] wants you dead? He has sent Ishmael son of Nethaniah to ·kill you [strike your life].” But Gedaliah son of Ahikam ·did [or would] not believe them.


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Then Johanan son of Kareah spoke to Gedaliah in ·private [secret] at Mizpah. He said, “Let me go and ·kill [strike] Ishmael son of Nethaniah. No one will know anything about it. ·We should not let Ishmael [Why should he…?] ·kill you [strike your life]. Then all ·the Jews [Judah] gathered around you would be scattered to different countries again, and the ·few people of Judah who are left alive [the remnant of Judah] would ·be lost [perish].”


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But Gedaliah son of Ahikam said to Johanan son of Kareah, “Do not ·kill Ishmael [do this thing]! The things you are saying about Ishmael are ·not true [false; lies].”


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In the seventh month Ishmael son of Nethaniah and ten of his men came to Gedaliah son of Ahikam [the Babylonian appointed governor] at Mizpah []. (Nethaniah was the son of Elishama.) Now Ishmael was a member of the ·king’s [royal] family and had been one of the officers of the king of Judah. While they were eating ·a meal with Gedaliah [bread together] at Mizpah,


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Ishmael and his ten men got up and killed Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, with a sword. (Gedaliah was the man the king of Babylon had ·chosen [appointed] as governor over Judah.)


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Ishmael also killed all the ·Jews [Judeans] and the ·Babylonian [Chaldean] soldiers who were there with Gedaliah at Mizpah.


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eighty men came to Mizpah bringing ·grain [gift; tribute] offerings [] and incense to the ·Temple [house] of the Lord. Those men from Shechem, Shiloh, and Samaria [important centers in northern Israel] had shaved off their beards, torn their clothes, and ·cut [gashed] themselves [mourning rituals].


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Ishmael son of Nethaniah went out from Mizpah to meet them, crying as he walked. When he ·met [encountered] them, he said, “Come with me to meet Gedaliah son of Ahikam.”


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So they went into Mizpah. Then Ishmael son of Nethaniah and his men ·killed [slaughtered] seventy of them and threw the bodies into a deep ·well [cistern; pit].


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But the ten men who were ·left alive [still found] said to Ishmael, “Don’t kill us! We have stores of wheat and barley and oil and honey that we have hidden in a field.” So ·Ishmael let them live [he stopped] and did not kill them with the others.


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Now the ·well [cistern; pit] where he had thrown all the bodies had been made by King Asa [ruled 913–873 bc] as a part of his defenses against Baasha king of Israel [ruled 900–877 bc; ; ]. But Ishmael son of Nethaniah put dead bodies in it until it was full.


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Ishmael captured all the other people in Mizpah: the king’s daughters and all the other people who ·were left [remained] there. They were the ones whom Nebuzaradan commander of the guard had ·chosen Gedaliah son of Ahikam to take care of [appointed Gedaliah son of Ahikam as governor over]. So Ishmael son of Nethaniah captured those people, and he started to cross over to the country of the ·Ammonites [sons of Ammon].


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Johanan son of Kareah [] and all his army officers with him heard about all the ·evil things [crimes] Ishmael son of Nethaniah had done.


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So they took their men and went to fight Ishmael son of Nethaniah and ·caught [found] him near the ·big pool of water [many waters] at Gibeon [southwest of Mizpah; ].


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When ·the captives Ishmael had taken [all the people who were with Ishmael] saw Johanan and the army officers, they were glad.


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So all the people Ishmael had taken captive from Mizpah turned around and ran to Johanan son of Kareah.


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But Ishmael son of Nethaniah and eight of his men escaped from Johanan and ran away to the ·Ammonites [sons of Ammon].


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So Johanan son of Kareah and all his army officers ·saved [took] the captives that Ishmael son of Nethaniah had taken from Mizpah after he ·murdered [struck] Gedaliah son of Ahikam. Among those left alive were soldiers, women, children, and ·palace officers [or eunuchs]. And Johanan brought them back from the town of Gibeon.


text:
The Escape to Egypt Johanan and the other army officers were afraid of the ·Babylonians [Chaldeans]. Since the king of Babylon had chosen Gedaliah son of Ahikam to be governor of Judah but Ishmael son of Nethaniah had ·murdered [struck] him, Johanan was afraid that the Babylonians would be angry. So they decided to run away to Egypt. On the way they stayed at Geruth Kimham, near the town of Bethlehem.


text:
While there, Johanan son of Kareah and Jezaniah [or Azariah; ] son of Hoshaiah ·went to [approached] Jeremiah the prophet. All the army officers and all the people, from the least important to the greatest, went along, too.


text:
They said to him, “Jeremiah, ·please listen to what we ask [let our pleas for help/supplications fall before you]. Pray to the Lord your God for all ·the people left alive from the family of Judah [this remnant]. At one time there were many of us, but ·you can see that [as your eyes can see] there are few of us now.


text:
So pray that the Lord your God will tell us ·where we should go [the path on which we should go] and what we should do.”


text:
Then Jeremiah the prophet answered, “I ·understand what you want me to do [hear]. I will pray to the Lord your God ·as you have asked [according to your works]. I will tell you ·everything he says [all his answers] and not ·hide [keep back] anything from you.”


text:
Then the people said to Jeremiah, “May the Lord be a true and ·loyal [faithful] witness against us if we don’t do everything the Lord your God sends you to tell us.


text:
·It does not matter if we like the message or not [Whether good or bad…]. We will ·obey [listen to] the Lord our God, to whom we are sending you. We will ·obey [listen to] what he says so good things will happen to us.”


text:
Then Jeremiah called for Johanan son of Kareah, the army officers with him, and all the other people, from the least important to the greatest.


text:
Jeremiah said to them, “You sent me to ·ask the Lord for what you wanted [make your supplications/fall before him]. This is what the God of Israel says:


text:
‘If you will stay in this land [Judah], I will build you up and not tear you down. I will plant you and not ·pull [tear] you up [], because I am ·sad [sorry] about the ·disaster [evil; trouble] I ·brought on [did to] you.


text:
Now you fear the king of Babylon, but don’t be afraid of him. Don’t be afraid of him,’ says the Lord, ‘because I am with you. I will save you and ·rescue [protect] you from his ·power [hand].


text:
I will be ·kind [compassionate; merciful] to you, and he will also treat you with ·mercy [kindness; compassion] and ·let you stay [restore you] in your land.’


text:
“But if you say, ‘We will not stay in this land [Judah],’ you will ·disobey [not listen to the voice of] the Lord your God.


text:
Or you might say, ‘No, we will go and live in Egypt. There we will not see war, or hear the trumpets of ·war [battle], or ·be hungry [famine].’


text:
If you say that, listen to the message of the Lord, ·you who are left alive from [remnant of] Judah. This is what the Lord ·All-Powerful [Almighty; of Heaven’s Armies; of hosts], the God of Israel, says: ‘If you ·make up your mind [are determined] to go and live in Egypt, these things will happen:


text:
·You are afraid of war, but it will find you [The sword you fear will overtake you there,] in the land of Egypt. And ·you are worried about hunger, but it will follow you into [the famine you dread will cling after you there in] Egypt, and you will die there.


text:
Everyone who ·goes to live in [sets their face to go to] Egypt will die ·in war [by sword] or from ·hunger [famine] or ·terrible disease [plague; pestilence]. ·No one who goes to Egypt will live; no one will escape [There will be no remnant or survivor from] the ·terrible things [harm; evil] I will bring to them.’


text:
“This is what the Lord ·All-Powerful [Almighty; of Heaven’s Armies; of hosts], the God of Israel, says: ‘I ·showed [poured out] my anger against the people of Jerusalem. In the same way I will ·show [pour out] my anger against you when you go to Egypt. Other nations will speak evil of you. People will be ·shocked [horrified] by what will happen to you. You will become a curse word, and people will ·insult [ridicule] you. And you will never see this place [Judah] again.’


text:
“·You who are left alive in [Remnant of] Judah, the Lord has told you, ‘Don’t go to Egypt.’ Be sure you ·understand [know] this; I warn you today


text:
that you ·are making a mistake that will cause your deaths [made a fatal mistake; have erred with your life]. You sent me to the Lord your God, saying, ‘Pray to the Lord our God for us. Tell us everything the Lord our God says, and we will do it.’


text:
So today I have ·told [proclaimed to] you, but you have not ·obeyed [listened to the voice of] the Lord your God in all that he sent me to tell you.


text:
So now be sure you ·understand [know] this: You want to go to live in Egypt, but you will die there by ·war [sword], ·hunger [famine], or ·terrible diseases [plague; pestilence].”


text:
So Jeremiah finished telling the people the message from the Lord their God; he told them everything the Lord their God had sent him to tell them.


text:
Azariah son of Hoshaiah [], Johanan son of Kareah, and some other men were ·too proud [arrogant]. They said to Jeremiah, “You are lying! The Lord our God did not send you to say, ‘You must not go to Egypt to ·live [sojourn; wander] there.’


text:
Baruch son of Neriah [Jeremiah’s assistant; ; ] is causing you to be against us. He wants you to hand us over to the ·Babylonians [Chaldeans] so they can kill us or ·capture us and take [exile] us to Babylon.”


text:
So Johanan, the army officers, and all the people ·disobeyed the Lord’s command [did not listen to the voice of the Lord] to stay in Judah.


text:
But Johanan son of Kareah and the army officers ·led away [took] ·those who were left alive from [the remnant of] Judah. They were the people who had ·run away from the Babylonians [been driven] to other countries but then had ·come back to live in [returned to] Judah.


text:
They ·led away [took] the men, women, and children, and the king’s daughters. Nebuzaradan commander of the guard had ·put Gedaliah son of Ahikam son of Shaphan in charge of those people [left with Gedaliah son of Ahikam son of Shaphan; who had been appointed governor]. Johanan also took Jeremiah the prophet and Baruch son of Neriah.


text:
These people did not listen to the voice of the Lord. So they all went to Egypt to the city of Tahpanhes [in the eastern region of the Nile Delta].


text:
“Take some large stones. Bury them in the clay in the brick pavement in front of the ·king of Egypt’s palace [house of Pharaoh] in Tahpanhes. Do this ·while the Jews are watching you [before the eyes of the Judeans].


text:
Then say to them, ‘This is what the Lord ·All-Powerful [Almighty; of Heaven’s Armies; of hosts], the God of Israel, says: I will soon send for my servant, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. I will set his throne over these stones I have buried, and he will spread his ·covering for shade [canopy] above them.


text:
He will come here and ·attack [strike] Egypt. He will bring death to those who are supposed to die. He will make ·prisoners [exiles] of those who are to be ·taken captive [exiled], and he will bring ·war to [to the sword] those who are to be killed with a sword.


text:
Nebuchadnezzar will ·set [kindle a] fire to the ·temples [houses] of the gods of Egypt and burn them. And he will take ·the idols [them] away as captives. As a shepherd ·wraps himself in [or picks lice from] his clothes, so Nebuchadnezzar ·will wrap Egypt around him [or picks the land of Egypt clean]. Then he will safely leave Egypt.


text:
He will ·destroy [break] the stone pillars in the ·temple [house] of the sun god in Egypt, and he will burn ·down [with fire] the ·temples [houses] of the gods of Egypt.’”


text:
Disaster in Egypt Jeremiah received a message from the Lord for all the ·Jews [Judeans] living in Egypt—in the cities of Migdol [a city in the Nile Delta], Tahpanhes [], Memphis [a capital city in central Egypt], and in ·southern Egypt [the land of Pathros]. This was the message:


text:
“The Lord ·All-Powerful [Almighty; of Heaven’s Armies; of hosts], the God of Israel, says: You saw all the ·terrible things [disasters; evil; troubles] I brought on Jerusalem and the towns of Judah, which are ruins today with no one living in them.


text:
It is because the people who lived there did evil. They made me angry by burning incense and ·worshiping [serving] other gods that neither they nor you nor your ·ancestors [fathers] ever knew.


text:
I sent all my servants, the prophets, to you again and again. By them I said to you, ‘Don’t do this ·terrible [abominable] thing that I hate.’


text:
But they did not listen or ·pay attention [incline their ear]. They did not ·stop doing [turn back from] evil things and burning incense to other gods.


text:
So I showed my great anger against them. I poured out my anger in the towns of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem so they are only ruins and ·piles of stones [a desolation] today.


text:
“Now the Lord ·All-Powerful [Almighty; of Heaven’s Armies; of hosts], the God of Israel, says: Why are you doing such great ·harm [damage; evil] to yourselves? You are cutting off the men and women, children and ·babies [suckling infants] from the ·family [midst] of Judah, leaving yourselves without ·anyone from the family of Judah [a remnant].


text:
Why do you want to make me angry by ·making idols [the work of your hands]? Why do you ·burn incense [make offerings] to the gods of Egypt, where you have come to ·live [sojourn; wander]? You will ·destroy [cut off] yourselves. Other nations will ·speak evil of [curse] you and ·make fun of [reproach] you.


text:
Have you forgotten about the evil things your ·ancestors [fathers] did? And have you forgotten the evil the kings and ·queens [their wives] of Judah did? Have you forgotten about the evil you and your wives did? These things were done in the country of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem.


text:
Even to this day the people of Judah ·are still too proud [have shown no remorse]. They have not ·learned to respect [feared] me or ·to follow [walked in] my ·teachings [laws; instructions]. They have not obeyed the ·laws [statutes; requirements; ordinances] I gave you and your ·ancestors [fathers].


text:
“So this is what the Lord ·All-Powerful [Almighty; of Heaven’s Armies; of hosts], the God of Israel, says: I am ·determined [setting my face against you] to bring ·disasters [evil; trouble] on you. I will ·destroy [cut off] ·the whole family of [all] Judah.


text:
The ·few who were left alive [remnant] from Judah ·were determined [set their face] to go to Egypt and ·settle [sojourn; wander] there, but they will all die in Egypt. They will be killed ·in war [by the sword] or ·die from hunger [by famine]. From the least important to the greatest, they will be killed ·in war [by sword] or ·die from hunger [by famine]. Other nations will ·speak evil about [curse] them. People will be shocked by what has happened to them. They will become a curse word, and people will ·insult [reproach] them.


text:
I will punish those people who have gone to live in Egypt, just as I punished Jerusalem, using swords, ·hunger [famine], and ·terrible diseases [plague; pestilence].


text:
Of the ·people of Judah who were left alive [remnant of Judah] and have gone to ·live [wander; sojourn] in Egypt, none will escape ·my punishment [or survive]. They want to return to Judah and live there, but none of them will live to return to Judah, except a few people who will escape.”


text:
A large group of the people [of Judah] who lived in ·southern Egypt [Pathros] were ·meeting [assembling] together. Among them were many women who were ·burning incense [or making offerings] to other gods, and their husbands knew it. All these people said to Jeremiah,


text:
We promised to make sacrifices to the Queen Goddess [a female astral deity, probably Ashtart or Asherah], and we will certainly do everything ·we promised [that came out of our mouths]. We will ·burn incense [or make offerings] and pour out drink offerings to worship her, just as we, our ·ancestors [fathers], kings, and officers did in the past. All of us did these things in the towns of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem. At that time we had plenty of food and were ·successful [fine], and ·nothing bad happened to us [we saw/experienced no evil].


text:
But since we stopped ·making sacrifices [or offering incense] to the Queen Goddess and stopped pouring out drink offerings to her, we have ·had great problems [lacked everything]. Our people have also been killed ·in war [by sword] and by ·hunger [famine].”


text:
The women said, “Our husbands knew what we were doing. We had their permission to ·burn incense [or make offerings] to the Queen Goddess and to pour out drink offerings to her. Our husbands knew we were making cakes ·that looked like her [with her image] and were pouring out drink offerings to her.”


text:
He said to them, “·The Lord remembered [Did not the Lord remember…?] that you and your ·ancestors [fathers], kings and officers, and the people of the land ·burned incense [or made offerings] in the towns of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem. He remembered and ·thought [set/lifted up his mind/heart] about it.


text:
Then he could not be patient with you any longer. He hated the ·terrible things [abominations] you did. So he made your country an ·empty desert [desolation and a ruin], where no one lives. Other people curse that country. And so it is today.


text:
All this happened because you ·burned incense to other gods [or made offerings]. You sinned against the Lord. You did not ·obey him [listen to the voice of the Lord] or follow his ·teachings [laws; instructions; Torah] or the ·laws [statutes; requirements; ordinances] he gave you. You did not ·keep your part of the agreement with him [walk in his testimonies]. So this ·disaster [evil; trouble] has happened to you. ·It is there for you to see […according to this day].”


text:
Then Jeremiah said to all those men and women, “People of Judah who are now in Egypt, hear the word of the Lord:


text:
The Lord ·All-Powerful [Almighty; of Heaven’s Armies; of hosts], the God of Israel, says: You and your wives did what you said you would do. You said, ‘We will certainly keep the ·promises [vows] we made. We ·promised [vowed] to ·make sacrifices [or offer incense] to the Queen Goddess and to pour out drink offerings to her.’ So, go ahead. Do the things you ·promised [vowed], and keep your ·promises [vows].


text:
But hear the word of the Lord. Listen, all you ·Jews [Judeans] living in Egypt. The Lord says, ‘I have sworn by my great name: The people of Judah now living in Egypt will never again ·use [pronounce] my name to make promises. They will never again say in Egypt, “As surely as the Lord God lives…”


text:
I am watching over them, not ·to take care of them, but to hurt them [for good but for evil/harm]. The ·Jews [Judeans] who live in Egypt will die from swords or ·hunger [famine] until they are all ·destroyed [annihilated].


text:
A few will escape being killed by the sword and will come back to Judah from Egypt. Then, of the people of Judah who came to ·live [sojourn; wander] in Egypt, ·those who are left alive [the remnant] will know ·if my word or their word came true [whose word will stand, theirs or mine].


text:
I will give you a sign that I will punish you here in this place [Egypt],’ says the Lord. ‘When you see it happen, you will know that my ·promises to hurt you will really happen [words for you will be carried out for harm/evil].’


text:
This is what the Lord says: ‘Hophra king of Egypt [also known as Apries, ruled 587–570 bc] has enemies who ·want to kill him [seek his life]. Soon I will hand him over to his enemies just as I handed Zedekiah king of Judah over to Nebuchadnez-zar king of Babylon, who ·wanted to kill him [sought his life; ].’”


text:
A Message to Baruch It was the fourth year that Jehoiakim son of Josiah was king of Judah [605 bc]. Jeremiah the prophet told these things to Baruch son of Neriah [; ; ], and Baruch wrote them on a scroll:


text:
You have said, ‘·How terrible it is for [Woe is] me! The Lord has given me sorrow along with my pain. I am tired because of my ·suffering [groaning] and cannot rest.’”


text:
The Lord said, “Say this to Baruch: ‘This is what the Lord says: I will soon ·tear [break] down what I have built, and I will ·pull [pluck] up what I have planted everywhere in all this land [Judah].


text:
Baruch, you are ·looking [seeking] for great things for yourself. Don’t ·look for [seek] them, because I will bring ·disaster [evil; trouble] on all ·the people [flesh], says the Lord. You will have to go many places, but I will ·let you escape alive [give you your life as plunder] wherever you go.’”


text:
Messages to the Nations The Lord spoke this word to Jeremiah the prophet about the nations [ are oracles against the foreign nations; see also ; ; ; Nah.; Obad.]:


text:
This message is to Egypt. It is about the army of Neco king of Egypt [ruled 610–595 bc], which ·was defeated at [struck] the city of Carchemish on the Euphrates River by Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. This was in the fourth year that Jehoiakim son of Josiah was king of Judah [605 bc]. This is the Lord’s message to Egypt:


text:
Harness the horses and ·get on them [mount the steeds]! ·Go to your places for battle [Take your station] and put on your helmets! ·Polish [Burnish] your spears. Put on your ·armor [coats of mail]!


text:
What do I see? That army is terrified, and the soldiers ·are running away [have turned back]. Their warriors are defeated. They ·run away [flee] quickly without looking back. There is terror on every side [; , ; ]!” says the Lord.


text:
“The fast runners cannot ·run away [flee]; the strong soldiers cannot escape. They stumble and fall in the north, by the Euphrates River.


text:
Egypt rises up like the Nile River, like ·strong, fast rivers [rivers whose waters surge]. Egypt says, ‘I will rise up and cover the earth. I will destroy cities and the people in them!’


text:
·Horsemen [or Horses], ·charge into battle [advance]! ·Chariot drivers [or Chariots], drive hard! ·March on [Go out], brave soldiers— soldiers from the countries of Cush [Ethiopia] and Put [Libya] who carry shields, soldiers from Lydia [from eastern Asia Minor] who ·use [grasp and draw] bows.


text:
“But that day belongs to the Lord God ·All-Powerful [Almighty; of Heaven’s Armies; of hosts]. At that time he will give ·those people [his foes] the punishment they deserve. The sword will ·kill [devour] until it is ·finished [satisfied; sated], until it ·satisfies its thirst for [gets satiated/drunk with] their blood. The Lord God ·All-Powerful [Almighty; of Heaven’s Armies; of hosts] will offer a sacrifice in the land of the north, by the Euphrates River [Babylon].


text:
“Go up to Gilead and get some balm [], ·people [virgin daughter] of Egypt! You have prepared many medicines, ·but they will not work [in vain]; you will not be healed.


text:
The nations have heard of your ·shame [humiliation], and your cries fill all the earth. One warrior has ·run into [stumbled over] another; both of them have fallen down together!”


text:
This is the message the Lord spoke to Jeremiah the prophet about Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon’s coming to ·attack [strike] Egypt:


text:
“·Announce this message [Declare] in Egypt, and ·preach it [make it heard] in Migdol. ·Preach it [Make it heard] also in the cities of Memphis and Tahpanhes []: ‘·Get ready for war [Take your stations and be ready], because the ·battle is [sword devours] all around you.’


text:
Egypt, why ·were your warriors killed [was it swept away; or has Apis fled; the sacred bull of Egypt]? They could not stand because the Lord pushed them down.


text:
They stumbled again and again and fell over each other. They said, ‘Get up. Let’s go back to our own people and our homeland. ·We must get away from our enemy’s sword […because of the destroyer’s/oppressor’s sword]!’


text:
·In their homelands those soldiers [There they] called out, ‘The king of Egypt is only a lot of noise. He missed his chance [for glory]!’”


text:
The King’s name is the Lord ·All-Powerful [Almighty; of Heaven’s Armies; of hosts]. He says, “As surely as I live, one [a powerful leader] will come. He will be like Mount Tabor among the mountains, like Mount Carmel by the sea [distinctive and majestic mountains].


text:
·People [Daughter] of Egypt, pack your things to be taken away as ·captives [exiles], because Memphis will be ·destroyed [a desolation]. It will be a ruin, and no one will live there.


text:
“Egypt is like a beautiful ·young cow [heifer], but a ·horsefly [gadfly] is coming from the north [Babylon] to attack her [though small, gadflies are annoying].


text:
·The hired soldiers in Egypt’s army [Its mercenaries] are like fat calves, because even they all turn and ·run away [flee] together; they do not stand [strong against the attack]. Their ·time of destruction [day of their devastation/calamity] is coming; ·they will soon be punished [the time of their punishment].


text:
Egypt is like a hissing snake that is trying to escape. The ·enemy [army] comes closer and closer. They come against it [Egypt] with axes like men who cut down trees.


text:
They will ·chop [cut] down her forest [Egypt’s army] ·as if it were a great forest [or for they cannot be numbered; could refer either to the Babylonians or the Egyptians],” says the Lord. “There are more [enemy soldiers] than locusts; there are too many to count.


text:
The people of Egypt will be ·ashamed [humiliated]. They will be handed over to the enemy from the north [Babylon].”


text:
The Lord ·All-Powerful [Almighty; of Heaven’s Armies; of hosts], the God of Israel, says: “Very soon I will punish Amon, the god of the city of Thebes [a sun god]. And I will punish Egypt, her ·kings [Pharaohs], her gods, and the people who ·depend on [have confidence in] the king.


text:
I will hand those people over to ·their enemies, who want to kill them [those who seek their life]. I will give them to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and his ·officers [servants]. But in the future, Egypt will live as it once did of old [in peace],” says the Lord.


text:
A Message to Israel “People of Jacob, my servants, don’t be afraid; don’t be frightened, Israel. I will surely ·save [rescue] you from those faraway places and your ·children [seed] from the lands where they are captives. The people of Jacob will have peace and safety again, and no one will make them afraid.


text:
People of Jacob, my servants, do not be afraid, because I am with you,” says the Lord. “I will ·completely destroy the many different [make an end of all the] nations where I ·scattered [drove] you. But I will not ·completely destroy [make an end of] you. I will ·punish [chastise; discipline] you ·fairly [with justice], but I will not let you escape your punishment.”


text:
A Message to the Philistines Before the king of Egypt ·attacked [struck] the city of Gaza, the Lord spoke his word to Jeremiah the prophet. This message is to the Philistine people [to the west of Israel; ; , ].


text:
This is what the Lord says: “See, waters are rising from the north [representing the overwhelming force of the Babylonians]. They will become like an overflowing ·stream [torrent] and will cover the whole country ·like a flood [and its fullness], even the towns and the people living in them. Everyone living in that country will cry for help; the people will ·cry painfully [wail].


text:
They will hear the sound of the ·running horses [hoofs of the chargers] and the noisy chariots and the rumbling chariot wheels. ·Parents [Fathers] will not ·help their children to safety [turn back for their children], because ·they will be too weak to help [their hands will be weak].


text:
The ·time [day] has come to destroy all the Philistines. It is time to ·destroy [cut off] all who ·are left alive [survive] who could help the cities of Tyre and Sidon [the two most important Phoenician cities; the Philistines, Egypt’s allies, could no longer help them]. The Lord will soon destroy the Philistines, ·those left alive from the island of Crete [the remnant of the coastline of Caphtor].


text:
·The people from the city of Gaza will be sad and shave their heads [Baldness will come to Gaza]. The people from the city of Ashkelon will be made silent. ·Those left alive [Remnant] from the valley, how long will you ·cut [gash] yourselves [a mourning ritual]?


text:
“·You cry [Ah], ‘Sword of the Lord, how long ·will you keep fighting [before you rest]? Return to your ·holder [sheath]. Stop and be still.’


text:
But how can his sword rest when the Lord has given it a command? He has ·ordered [assigned] it to attack Ashkelon and the seacoast.”


text:
A Message to Moab This message is to the country of Moab [to the east of Israel; ; ; ]. This is what the Lord ·All-Powerful [Almighty; of Heaven’s Armies; of hosts], the God of Israel, says: “·How terrible it will be for the city of [Woe to] Nebo, because it will be ·ruined [desolate]. The town of Kiriathaim [; ; ] will be disgraced and captured; the ·strong [fortified] city will be disgraced and shattered.


text:
Moab will not be praised again. Men in the town of Heshbon plan ·Moab’s defeat [its disaster]. They say, ‘Come, let us ·put an end to [cut off] that nation!’ Town of Madmen you will also be silenced. The sword will ·chase [come after] you.


text:
Listen to the cries from the town of Horonaim, ·cries of much confusion and destruction [desolation and great fracture].


text:
Moab will be broken up. ·Her little children will cry for help [or Their cries are heard as far as Zoar].


text:
Moab’s people go up the path to the town of Luhith, crying ·loudly [continually] as they go. On the road down to Horonaim, cries of pain and suffering can be heard.


text:
·Run [Flee]! ·Run for [Escape with] your lives! Go like a ·bush [or wild ass; or Aroer] in the ·desert [wilderness].


text:
You ·trust [have confidence] in the things you do and in your ·wealth [storehouses; or arsenals], so you also will be captured. The god Chemosh [the chief god of Moab] will go into ·captivity [exile] and his priests and officers with him.


text:
The destroyer will come against every town; not one town will escape. The valley will ·be ruined [perish], and the high plain will be destroyed, as the Lord has said.


text:
Give ·wings [or salt; a symbol of complete destruction; ] to Moab, because she will surely leave her land. Moab’s towns will become ·empty [desolate], with no one to live in them.


text:
A curse will be on anyone who ·doesn’t do what the Lord says [is slack in doing the Lord’s work], and a curse will be on anyone who holds back his sword from ·killing [blood].


text:
“The people of Moab have ·never known trouble [been at ease since its youth]. They are like wine left to settle; they have never been poured from one jar to another. They have not ·been taken into captivity [gone into exile]. So ·they taste as they did before [their flavor stands], and their ·smell [aroma] has not changed.


text:
·A time is [Days are] coming,” says the Lord, “When I will send people to ·pour [decant] you from your jars. They will empty Moab’s jars and smash their jugs [a fitting image since Moab produced much wine; ].


text:
The ·people [house] of Israel ·trusted [had confidence in] that god in the town of Bethel [; ], and they were ·ashamed [humiliated] when there was no help. In the same way Moab will be ·ashamed of [humiliated by] their god Chemosh.


text:
The destroyer of Moab and her towns has arrived. Her best young men will be ·killed [slaughtered]!” says the King, whose name is the Lord ·All-Powerful [Almighty; of Heaven’s Armies; of hosts].


text:
“The ·end [disaster; calamity] of Moab is near, and ·she will soon be destroyed [her disaster comes quickly].


text:
All you who live around Moab, all you who know ·her [her name], ·cry [mourn] for her. Say, ‘The ·ruler’s power [strong scepter] is broken; ·Moab’s power and glory are gone […the glorious/beautiful staff].’


text:
“·You people living in the town of [Enthroned daughter] Dibon, come down from ·your place of honor [glory] and sit on the dry ground, because the destroyer of Moab has come against you. And he has destroyed your ·strong, walled [fortified] cities.


text:
You people living in the town of Aroer, stand next to the road and watch. See the man ·running away [fleeing] and the woman escaping. Ask them, ‘What happened?’


text:
Moab is filled with ·shame [humiliation], because she is ruined. ·Cry [Wail], Moab, cry out! Announce at the Arnon River that Moab is destroyed.


text:
People on the high plain have been ·punished [judged]. Judgment has come to these towns: Holon, Jahzah, and Mephaath;


text:
Kerioth and Bozrah [all cities on the Moabite plateau]. Judgment has come to all the towns of Moab, far and near.


text:
“The people of Moab thought they were greater than the Lord, so ·punish them until they act as if they are drunk [make them drunk]. Moab will ·fall and roll around [wallow; or overflow] in its own vomit, and people will even make fun of it [they would drink from the cup of wrath; ; ; ; ].


text:
Moab, you made fun of Israel. Israel was ·caught [or not found] in the middle of a gang of thieves. When you spoke about Israel, you shook your head [acting as if Moab were better].


text:
People in Moab, ·leave your towns empty [abandon; forsake] and go live among the ·rocks [crags]. Be like a dove that makes its nest at the entrance of a cave.


text:
“We have heard that the people of Moab are ·proud [arrogant], very ·proud [arrogant]. They are proud, very ·proud [arrogant], and in their hearts ·they think they are important [are exalted; ].”


text:
The Lord says, “I know ·Moab’s great pride [his insolence], but it is ·useless [false]. Moab’s bragging accomplishes nothing.


text:
So I ·cry sadly [wail] for Moab, for everyone in Moab. I ·moan [mourn] for the people from the town of Kir Hareseth.


text:
I cry with the people of the town of Jazer for you, the grapevines of the town of Sibmah. In the past your vines spread all the way to the sea, as far as the sea of Jazer. But the destroyer has ·taken over [fallen on] your ·fruit [summer fruits] and ·grapes [vintage].


text:
Joy and happiness are gone from the ·large, rich fields [fruitful/garden lands] of Moab. I have stopped the flow of wine from the winepresses. No one walks on the grapes with shouts of joy. There are shouts, but not shouts of joy.


text:
“Their ·crying [cry for help] can be heard from Moabite towns, from Heshbon to Elealeh and Jahaz. It can be heard from Zoar as far away as Horonaim and Eglath Shelishiyah. Even the waters of Nimrim are ·dried up [desolate].


text:
I will stop Moab from making burnt offerings [] at the ·places of worship [high places; sites associated with pagan worship or inappropriate worship of God] and from ·burning incense [or making offerings] to their gods,” says the Lord.


text:
“My heart ·cries sadly [wails] for Moab like a ·flute [reed-pipe; an instrument that plays funeral songs]. It ·cries [wails] like a ·flute [reed-pipe] for the people from Kir Hareseth. The money they made has all ·been taken away [perished].


text:
Every head has been shaved and every beard cut off. Everyone’s hands are ·cut [gashed], and everyone wears ·rough cloth around his waist [sackcloth; burlap; mourning rituals].


text:
People are ·crying [mourning] on every roof [flat roofs were living space] in Moab and in every public square. There is nothing but ·sadness [lament], because I have broken Moab like a jar no one wants [; ; ],” says the Lord.


text:
“·Moab [How it] is shattered! The people are ·crying [wailing]! ·Moab turns away [How it turns its neck] in ·shame [humiliation]! People all around her make fun of her. The things that happened fill them with great fear [].”


text:
This is what the Lord says: “Look! Someone is coming, like an eagle ·diving down from the sky [swooping down] and spreading its wings over Moab [; ; ].


text:
The towns of Moab will be captured, and the ·strong, walled cities [fortresses] will be ·defeated [seized]. ·At that time [On that day] ·Moab’s warriors will be frightened, [the heart of Moab’s warriors will be] like ·a [the heart of a] woman who is ·having a baby [in labor].


text:
The nation of Moab will be destroyed, because they ·thought they were greater than [magnified themselves over] the Lord.


text:
“People will ·run [flee] from fear, but they will fall into the pits. Anyone who climbs out of the pits will be caught in the traps. I will bring the year of punishment to Moab,” says the Lord.


text:
“People ·have run [flee] from the ·powerful enemy [strong] and ·have gone to Heshbon for safety [stand in the shadow of Heshbon]. But fire ·started in [has come out from] Heshbon; a ·blaze [flame] has spread from the ·hometown [house] of Sihon [early king of Moab; ]. It ·burned up [devoured] the ·leaders [or forehead] of Moab and ·destroyed those proud people [the pate of the sons of tumult].


text:
·How terrible it is for [Woe to] you, Moab! The people of Chemosh [the chief god of Moab] have been destroyed. Your sons have been taken ·captive [into exile], and your daughters ·have been taken away [into captivity].


text:
“But in ·days to come [the latter days], I will ·make good things happen again to [restore the fortunes of] Moab,” says the Lord. This ends the judgment on Moab.


text:
A Message to Ammon This message is to the ·Ammonite people [sons of Ammon; ; ; ]. This is what the Lord says: “Do you think that Israel has no children? Do you think there is no ·one to take the land when the parents die [heir]? If that were true, why did Molech [the chief god of Ammon] take Gad’s [a tribe in the north of Israel] land and why did Molech’s people settle in Gad’s towns [a bitter reference to the sacrifice of children to Molech]?”


text:
The Lord says, “The ·time will come [days are coming] when I will make Rabbah of the Ammonites [its capital], hear the battle cry. It will become a ·hill covered with ruins [desolate ruin], and the ·towns [villages; daughters] around it will be burned with fire. Those people ·forced [dispossessed] Israel out of that land, but now Israel will ·force them out [dispossess them]!” says the Lord.


text:
“People in the town of Heshbon, ·cry sadly [wail] because the town of Ai is destroyed! ·Those who live in [Daughters of] Rabbah, cry out! Put on your ·rough cloth to show your sadness [sackcloth; burlap], and ·cry loudly [mourn; wail]. Run here and there for safety inside the walls, because Molech will be taken ·captive [into exile] and his priests and officers with him.


text:
·You [Why do you…?] brag about your valleys and about the fruit in your valleys. You are like an ·unfaithful [rebellious] ·child [daughter] who ·believes her treasures will save her [trusts/has confidence in her treasures/arsenals]. You think, ‘Who would attack me?’


text:
I will soon bring terror on you from everyone around you,” says the Lord God ·All-Powerful [Almighty; of Heaven’s Armies; of hosts]. “You will all be ·forced to run [driven] away, and no one will be able to gather you.


text:
“But the time will come when I will ·make good things happen to [restore the fortunes of] the ·Ammonites [sons of Ammon] again,” says the Lord.


text:
A Message to Edom This message is to Edom [; ; ; ; ]. This is what the Lord ·All-Powerful [Almighty; of Heaven’s Armies; of hosts] says: “Is there no more wisdom in the town of Teman []? Can the wise men [of Edom] no longer give good advice? Have they lost their wisdom?


text:
You people living in the town of Dedan, ·run away [flee] and hide in deep caves, because I will bring ·disaster [calamity] on the people of Esau. It is time for me to punish them.


text:
If workers came and picked the grapes from your vines, they would leave ·a few grapes [gleanings] behind. If robbers came at night, they would steal only enough for themselves.


text:
But I will strip Esau [Edom] bare. I will ·find [expose] all their hiding places, so they will not be able to hide from me. The ·children [seed], ·relatives [brothers], and neighbors will die, And they [Edom] will be no more.


text:
·Leave [Abandon; Forsake] the orphans, and I will ·take care of them [keep them alive]. Your widows also can ·trust [have confidence] in me.”


text:
This is what the Lord says: “Some people did not deserve to be punished, but they had to drink from the cup [of suffering; ; ] anyway. You [people of Edom] deserve to be punished, so you will not escape punishment. You must certainly drink from the cup.”


text:
The Lord says, “I swear by ·my own name [myself] that the city of Bozrah will become a pile of ruins! People will be shocked by what happened there. They will ·insult [reproach] that city and ·speak evil of [curse] it. And all the towns around it will become ruins forever.”


text:
I have heard a message from the Lord. A ·messenger [herald] has been sent among the nations, saying, “Gather [your armies] to attack it! ·Get ready [Rise up] for battle!”


text:
“Soon I will make you the smallest of nations, and you will be greatly ·hated [despised] by everyone.


text:
Edom, you ·frightened [terrorized] other nations, but your ·pride [arrogance] has ·fooled [deceived] you. You live in the hollow places of the ·cliff [rock; crag] and ·control [seize] the high places of the hills. Even if you build your home as high as an eagle’s nest, I will bring you down from there,” says the Lord.


text:
“Edom will be ·destroyed [desolate]. People who pass by will be shocked to see the destroyed cities, and they will ·be amazed [hiss] at all her ·injuries [disasters].


text:
Edom will be ·destroyed [overturned] like the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah [] and the towns around them,” says the Lord. “No one will live there! No one will ·stay [sojourn; wander] in it [Edom].


text:
“Like a lion coming up from the thick bushes near the Jordan River to attack ·a strong pen for sheep [or perennial pastures; ], I will suddenly chase it [Edom] from its land. Who is the one I have ·chosen [appointed] to do this? ·There is no one [Who is…?] like me, ·no one who [who…?] can take me to court. ·None of their leaders [Who is the shepherd who…?] can stand up against me.”


text:
So listen to ·what the Lord has planned to do against Edom [the counsel/advice of the Lord]. Listen to ·what he has decided to do to [his plans against] the people in the town of Teman. He will surely drag away the young of the flock [the youth of Edom]. Their ·hometowns [pasture] will surely be shocked at what happens to them.


text:
At the sound of their [Edom’s] fall, the earth will shake. Their cry will be heard all the way to the ·Red [Reed] Sea [; ].


text:
The Lord is like an eagle swooping down and spreading its wings over the city of Bozrah. At that time Edom’s soldiers will become very frightened, like a woman ·having a baby [in labor; ; ; ].


text:
A Message to Damascus This message is to the city of Damascus: “The towns of Hamath and Arpad are ·put to shame [humiliated], because they have heard ·bad [disastrous] news. They ·are discouraged [melt; in fear]. They are troubled like the ·tossing sea [sea that cannot be quieted].


text:
The city of Damascus has become weak. The people ·want to run away [turn to flee]; ·they are ready to panic [panic seized them]. ·The people feel pain and suffering [Anguish and distress have grabbed them], like a woman ·giving birth to a baby [in labor; ; ; ].


text:
Damascus was a city of my joy. Why have the people not ·left [abandoned; forsaken] that famous city yet?


text:
Surely the young men will die in the city squares, and all her soldiers will be ·killed [stilled; quieted] ·at that time [on that day],” says the Lord ·All-Powerful [Almighty; of Heaven’s Armies; of hosts].


text:
“I will ·set [kindle a] fire to the walls of Damascus, and it will completely ·burn [consume] the ·strong cities [strongholds; citadels] of King Ben-Hadad [a name taken by many kings of Damascus].”


text:
A Message to Kedar and Hazor This message is to the tribe of Kedar [; ] and the kingdoms of Hazor, which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon ·defeated [struck]. This is what the Lord says: “·Go [Rise up] and attack the people of Kedar, and destroy the ·people of the East [sons of Kedar].


text:
Their tents and flocks will be taken away. Their belongings will be carried off— their tents, all their goods, and their camels. Men will shout to them, ‘Terror on every side [; , ; ]!’


text:
“·Run away [Flee] quickly! People in Hazor, ·find a ·good [deep] place to hide [hide in deep places]!” says the Lord. “Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon has made plans against you and ·wants to defeat [makes plans against] you.


text:
“·Get [Rise] up! Attack the nation that is ·comfortable [at ease], that is ·sure [confident; that no one will defeat it],” says the Lord. “It does not have gates or ·fences [bars; to protect it]. Its people live alone.


text:
The enemy will ·steal [plunder; despoil] their camels and their large herds of cattle as ·war prizes [plunder; booty]. I will scatter the people who ·cut their hair short [shave their temples; ] to ·every part of the earth [the wind], and I will bring disaster on them from everywhere,” says the Lord.


text:
“The city of Hazor will become a ·home [den; haunt] for ·wild dogs [jackals; ; ]; it will be ·an empty desert [desolate] forever. No one will live there, and no one will ·stay [sojourn; wander] in it.”


text:
A Message to Elam ·Soon after Zedekiah became [At the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah the] king of Judah [beginning in 597 bc], the Lord spoke this word to Jeremiah the prophet. This message is to the nation of Elam [located on the Iranian plateau].


text:
This is what the Lord ·All-Powerful [Almighty; of Heaven’s Armies; of hosts] says: “I will soon break Elam’s bow [], its greatest strength.


text:
I will bring the four winds against Elam from the four corners of the ·skies [heavens]. I will scatter its people ·everywhere the four winds blow [to all four winds]; its ·captives [exiles] will go to every nation.


text:
I will terrify Elam in front of their enemies, who ·want to destroy them [seek their life]. I will bring ·disaster [evil; trouble] to Elam and show them how angry I am!” says the Lord. “I will send a sword ·to chase Elam [after them] until I have ·killed [ended; annihilated] them all.


text:
“But I will ·make good things happen to [restore the fortunes of] Elam again in the ·future [latter days],” says the Lord.


text:
A Message to Babylon This is the message the Lord spoke to Babylon and the ·Babylonian people [Chaldeans] through Jeremiah the prophet.


text:
“·Announce [Proclaim] this to the nations [and let them hear]. Lift up a banner [a battle standard] and ·tell them [make them hear]. ·Speak the whole message [Do not conceal anything] and say: ‘Babylon will be captured. The god Bel [another name for Marduk] will be ·put to shame [humiliated], and the god Marduk [the chief god of the Babylonians] will be ·afraid [terrified]. ·Babylon’s gods [Its images] will be ·put to shame [humiliated], and her idols will be ·afraid [terrified]!’


text:
A nation from the north will attack Babylon [Persia] and make it like an ·empty desert [desolation]. No one will live there; both people and animals will ·run away [flee].”


text:
The Lord says, “At that time [and in those days] the ·people [sons] of Israel and Judah will come together. They will cry and ·look for [seek] the Lord their God.


text:
Those people will ask ·how to go [the way/path] to ·Jerusalem [Zion; the location of the Temple] and will start in that direction. They will come and join themselves to the Lord. They will make an ·agreement [covenant; treaty] with him that will last forever, an ·agreement [covenant; treaty] that will never be forgotten [].


text:
“My people have been like lost sheep. Their ·leaders [shepherds] have led them ·in the wrong way [astray] and made them wander around in the mountains and hills. They forgot where their ·resting place [fold] was [].


text:
Whoever ·saw [found] my people ·hurt [devoured] them. And those ·enemies [foes] said, ‘We ·did nothing wrong [are not guilty]. Those people sinned against the Lord, their ·true [righteous] ·resting place [fold], the God their fathers ·trusted [hoped in].’


text:
“·Run away [Flee] from Babylon, and leave the land of the ·Babylonians [Chaldeans]. Be like the goats that lead the flock.


text:
I will soon ·arouse [stir up] and bring against Babylon ·many great nations [a large assembly of nations] from the north [led by Persia]. They will take their places for war against it, and it will be captured ·by people from the north [from there]. Their arrows are like trained soldiers who do not return [from war] with empty hands.


text:
The ·enemy will take all the wealth from the Babylonians [Chaldeans will be plundered]. ·Those enemy soldiers will get all they want [The plunderers will be satisfied/sated],” says the Lord.


text:
“Babylon, you are excited and happy, because you took my ·land [inheritance; Israel]. You ·dance around [run free] like a young cow ·in the grain [during the threshing; ]. ·Your laughter is like the neighing of male horses [You neigh like a stallion].


text:
Your mother will be ·very ashamed [humiliated]; the woman who gave birth to you will be disgraced. ·Soon Babylonia will be the least important of all [It brings up the backside of] the nations. She will be an empty, dry ·desert [wilderness].


text:
Because of the Lord’s anger, no one will live there. She will be completely ·empty [desolate]. Everyone who passes by Babylon will be shocked. They will shake their heads when they see all her injuries.


text:
“Take your positions for war against Babylon, all ·you soldiers with [who draw] bows. Shoot your arrows at Babylon! Do not ·save any of them [spare any arrows], because Babylon has sinned against the Lord.


text:
·Soldiers around Babylon [On every side], shout the war cry! Babylon has surrendered, her ·towers [defenses] have fallen, and her walls have been ·torn down [demolished]. The Lord is giving her people the punishment they deserve. ·You nations should give her what she deserves; do to her what she has done to others [Just as it did, they did].


text:
·Don’t let the people from Babylon plant their crops [Cut the sower off from Babylon] ·or gather [seize the sickle wielder at the time of] the harvest. ·The soldiers treated their captives cruelly […before the sword of the oppressor]. Now, let everyone ·go back home [turn face toward his people]. Let everyone ·run [flee] to his own country [after the fall of Babylon, the Persians allowed the exiled people to return to their own lands; ].


text:
“The people of Israel are like a flock of sheep that are scattered from being ·chased [driven] by lions. The first lion to eat them up was the king of Assyria [Sennacherib defeated the northern kingdom of Israel in 722 bc]. The last lion to ·crush [gnaw] their bones was Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon [defeated the southern kingdom of Judah in 586 bc].”


text:
So this is what the Lord ·All-Powerful [Almighty; of Heaven’s Armies; of hosts], the God of Israel, says: “I will punish the king of Babylon and his country as I punished the king of Assyria [defeated by Babylon at the end of the seventh century bc].


text:
But I will bring the people of Israel back to their own pasture. They will ·eat [feed] on Mount Carmel and in Bashan [particularly lush areas]. They will ·eat and be full [be sated] on the hills of Ephraim and Gilead.”


text:
The Lord says, “At that time and in those days people will try to find Israel’s guilt, but there will be no guilt. People will try to find Judah’s sins, but no sins will be found, because I will leave a ·few people alive from Israel and Judah [remnant], and I will forgive their sins.


text:
“Attack the land of Merathaim. Attack the people who live in Pekod [alternate names for Babylon]. ·Chase them, kill them [Put them to the sword], and ·completely destroy [annihilate] them. Do everything I commanded you!” says the Lord.


text:
“The noise of battle can be heard all over the country; it is the noise of ·much destruction [great fracture].


text:
·Babylon was the hammer of the whole earth, but how broken and shattered that hammer is now [How cut down and broken is the hammer of the whole earth]. ·It is truly the most ruined of [How Babylon has become a horror among] all the nations.


text:
I set a trap for you [Babylon], and you were caught before you knew it. You ·fought against [challenged] the Lord, so you were found and ·taken prisoner [captured].


text:
The Lord has opened up his storeroom and brought out the weapons of his anger, because the Lord God ·All-Powerful [Almighty; of Heaven’s Armies; of hosts] has work to do in the land of the ·Babylonians [Chaldeans].


text:
Come against it [Babylon] from far away. Break open her storehouses of grain. Pile them up [dead bodies] like heaps of grain. ·Completely destroy Babylon [Annihilate it] and ·do not leave anyone alive [let there be no remnant].


text:
·Kill [Put to the sword] all its bulls [the young men in Babylon]; let them go down to the slaughter [killed like animals]. ·How terrible it will be for [Woe to] them, because ·the time has come for their defeat [their day has come]; it is time for them to be punished.


text:
Listen to the people ·running [fleeing] to escape the country of Babylon! They are telling ·Jerusalem [Zion; the location of the Temple] how the Lord our God is punishing Babylon as it deserves for destroying his Temple.


text:
“Call for ·the archers [all those who draw the bow] to come against Babylon. ·Tell them to surround the city [Camp all around it], and let no one escape. Pay her back for what she has done; do to her what she has done to other nations. Babylon acted with ·pride [arrogance] against the Lord, the Holy One of Israel.


text:
So her young men will be killed in her streets. All her soldiers will ·die [be silenced] on that day,” says the Lord.


text:
“You [Babylon] are too ·proud [arrogant], and I am against you,” says the Lord God ·All-Powerful [Almighty; of Heaven’s Armies; of hosts]. “·The time has come [Your day is coming] ·for you to be punished [the time of your punishment].


text:
The ·proud [arrogant; Babylon] will stumble and fall, and no one will help her get up. I will ·start [kindle] a fire in her towns, and it will ·burn up [devour] everything around her.”


text:
This is what the Lord ·All-Powerful [Almighty; of Heaven’s Armies; of hosts] says: “The people of Israel and Judah are ·slaves [oppressed]. ·The enemy took them as prisoners [Their captors have seized them] and won’t let them go.


text:
But ·God is strong and will buy them back [their redeemer is strong]. His name is the Lord ·All-Powerful [Almighty; of Heaven’s Armies; of hosts]. He will surely ·defend them with power [take up their cause/case] so he can give rest to their land. But ·he will not give rest [turmoil] to those living in Babylon.”


text:
The Lord says, “Let a sword ·kill the people living in Babylon [be against the Chaldeans] and her officers and wise men!


text:
Let a sword ·kill [be against] her ·false prophets [diviners], and they will become fools. Let a sword ·kill [be against] her warriors, and they will be full of terror.


text:
Let a sword ·kill [be against] her horses and chariots and all the soldiers hired from other countries! Then they will be like women [frightened]. Let a sword ·attack [be against] her treasures, so they will be ·taken away [plundered].


text:
Let a sword ·attack [be against] her waters so they will be dried up. She is a land of idols, and the people go ·crazy [mad] with fear over them.


text:
“Desert animals and hyenas will live there, and ·owls [or ostriches] will live there [ritually unclean birds that live in desolate places], but no people will ever live there again. She will never be ·filled with people [resided in] again.


text:
God ·completely destroyed [overturned] the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah and ·the towns around them [their neighbors; ; ; ; ],” says the Lord. “In the same way no people will live there [Babylon], and no human being will stay there.


text:
“Look! An army is coming from the north [Persia and its allies]. A powerful nation and many kings are ·coming together [stirred up] from all around the world.


text:
·Their armies have [They have grabbed] bows and spears. The soldiers are ·cruel [fierce; violent] and have no ·mercy [compassion]. As the soldiers come riding on their horses, the sound is loud like the ·roaring [thundering] sea. They stand in their places, ready for battle. They are ready to attack you, city of Babylon.


text:
The king of Babylon heard ·about those armies [the news/report], and ·he became helpless with fear [his hands grew slack/feeble]. Distress has gripped him. His pain is like that of a woman ·giving birth to a baby [in labor; ].


text:
“Like a lion coming up from the thick bushes near the Jordan River to attack a ·strong pen for sheep [or perennial pastures], I will suddenly chase them away [people of Babylon from their land]. Who is the one I have ·chosen [appointed] to do this? ·There is no one [Who is…?] like me, ·no one who [Who…?] can take me to court. ·None of their leaders [Who is the shepherd who…?] can stand up against me [].”


text:
So listen to ·what the Lord has planned to do against Babylon [counsel/advice of the Lord]. Listen to ·what he has decided to do to [his plans against] the people in the city of Babylon. He will surely drag away the young of the flock [the youth of Babylon]. Their ·hometowns [pasture] will surely be shocked at what happens to them.


text:
At the sound of Babylon’s capture, the earth will shake. People in all nations will hear Babylon’s cry of distress.


text:
This is what the Lord says: “I will soon ·cause [arouse; stir up] a destroying ·wind [or spirit] against Babylon and the ·Babylonian people [inhabitants of Leb Qemai; a coded reference to Chaldea (Babylon)].


text:
I will send ·foreign people [strangers; or winnowers] to ·destroy [winnow] Babylon. They will ·destroy [empty] the land. Armies will surround the city when the day of ·disaster [evil; trouble] comes upon her.


text:
Don’t let the archers [of Babylon] ·prepare [draw] their bows to shoot. Don’t even let them put on their ·armor [coat of mail]. Don’t ·feel sorry for [pity] the young men of Babylon, but ·completely destroy [annihilate] her army.


text:
·They will be killed [Corpses will fall] in the land of the ·Babylonians [Chaldeans] and ·will die [the wounded] in her streets.


text:
The Lord God ·All-Powerful [Almighty; of Heaven’s Armies; of hosts] did not ·leave [widow] Israel and Judah, even though ·they were completely guilty [their land was full of guilt] in the presence of the Holy One of Israel.


text:
“·Run away [Flee] from Babylon and ·save your lives [rescue yourselves]! Don’t stay and be killed because of Babylon’s sins. It is time for the Lord to ·punish Babylon [avenge himself]; he will give Babylon the punishment she deserves.


text:
Babylon was like a gold cup in the Lord’s hand that made the whole earth drunk [God used Babylon to administer his cup of wrath]. The nations drank Babylon’s wine, so they went ·crazy [mad].


text:
Babylon has suddenly fallen and been broken. ·Cry [Wail] for her! Get balm [; ] for her pain, and maybe she can be healed.


text:
“Foreigners in Babylon say, ‘We tried to heal Babylon, but she cannot be healed. So let us leave her and each go to his own country [after the fall of Babylon, the Persians allowed the exiled people to return to their own lands; ]. Babylon’s ·punishment [judgment] ·is as high as [reaches; touches] the ·sky [heavens]; it ·reaches [lifts up] to the ·clouds [or skies].’


text:
“The people of Judah say, ‘The Lord has ·shown us to be right [brought about/forth our vindication]. Come, let us ·tell [recount] in ·Jerusalem [Zion; the location of the Temple] what the Lord our God has done.’


text:
“Sharpen the arrows! ·Pick up your shields [or Fill the quivers]! The Lord has stirred up the kings of the Medes, because he ·wants [purposes] to destroy Babylon. The Lord will punish them as they deserve for destroying his Temple.


text:
Lift up a banner [a battle standard] against the walls of Babylon! ·Bring more [Strengthen the] guards. Put the watchmen in their places, and ·get ready for a secret attack [prepare an ambush]! The Lord will certainly do what he has planned and what he said he would do against the people of Babylon.


text:
You [Babylon] live near ·much [mighty] water [the Euphrates] and are rich with many treasures, but your end as a nation has come. ·It is time to stop you from robbing other nations [or Your destiny is fixed].


text:
The Lord ·All-Powerful [Almighty; of Heaven’s Armies; of hosts] has promised ·in his own name [by himself]: ‘I will surely fill you [Babylon] with so many men [enemy soldiers] they will be like locusts [; ; ; ; ]. They will ·stand [raise] over you and shout their victory.’


text:
“The Lord made the earth by his power. He used his wisdom to ·build [establish] the world and his understanding to stretch out the ·skies [heavens; ; ].


text:
When he ·thunders [gives forth his voice], the waters in the skies roar. He makes ·clouds [mist] rise ·all over [from the ends of] the earth. He sends lightning with the rain and brings out the wind from his storehouses.


text:
“People are so stupid and know so little. Goldsmiths are ·made ashamed [humiliated] by their idols, because those statues are ·only false gods [deceptive]. They have no breath in them.


text:
They are worth nothing; ·people make fun of them [or works of delusion]. ·When they are judged [At the time of their punishment], they will be destroyed.


text:
But Jacob’s Portion [God] is not like the idols. He ·made [formed; shaped] everything, and ·he chose Israel to be his special people [Israel is the tribe of his inheritance]. The Lord ·All-Powerful [Almighty; of Heaven’s Armies; of hosts] is his name.


text:
“You are my war club, my battle weapon. I use you to ·smash [shatter; and so throughout this passage] nations. I use you to destroy kingdoms.


text:
I use you to smash men and women. I use you to smash old people and young people. I use you to smash young men and young women.


text:
I use you to smash shepherds and flocks. I use you to smash farmers and oxen. I use you to smash governors and ·officers [officials; leaders].


text:
“But I will pay back Babylon and all the ·Babylonians [Chaldeans] for all the ·evil things [disasters; troubles] they did to ·Jerusalem [Zion; the location of the Temple] in your ·sight [eyes],” says the Lord.


text:
The Lord says, “Babylon, you are a destroying mountain, and I am against you. You have destroyed the whole land. I will ·put [reach; stretch] my hand out against you. I will roll you off the ·cliffs [rocks; crags], and I will make you a burned-out mountain.


text:
People will not ·find any rocks in Babylon big enough for [take from you] cornerstones. People will not take any rocks from you for a foundation [of a building], because your city will be ·just a pile of ruins [a desolation] forever,” says the Lord.


text:
“Lift up a banner [a battle standard] in the land! Blow the ·trumpet [ram’s horn] among the nations! ·Get the nations ready for battle against Babylon [Consecrate the nations against it]. Call these kingdoms of Ararat, Minni, and Ashkenaz [near Lake Urmia and Lake Van to the northwest of Babylon, and part of the coalition against it] against her [to fight]. Choose a commander ·to lead the army against Babylon [against it]. ·Send [Bring up] so many horses that they are like a swarm of locusts.


text:
·Get the nations ready for battle against Babylon [Consecrate the nations against it]— the kings of the Medes, their governors and all their officers, and all the countries they rule.


text:
The land shakes and ·moves in pain [writhes], because the Lord will do what he has planned to Babylon. He will make Babylon an ·empty desert [desolation], where no one will live.


text:
Babylon’s warriors have stopped fighting. They stay in their ·protected cities [strongholds]. Their strength is gone, and they have become like women [frightened]. Babylon’s houses are burning. The bars [of its gates] are broken.


text:
One runner meets another runner; messenger meets messenger. They announce to the king of Babylon that his whole city has been captured.


text:
The river crossings have been ·captured [seized], and the swamplands are burning with fire. All of the soldiers [of Babylon] are terribly afraid.”


text:
This is what the Lord ·All-Powerful [Almighty; of Heaven’s Armies; of hosts], the God of Israel, says: “The ·city [daughter] of Babylon is like a threshing floor, where people trod [on grain at harvest time]. The time to harvest [Babylon] is coming soon.”


text:
“Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon has ·defeated [devoured; consumed] and ·destroyed [crushed] us. We became like an empty jar [probably a reference to the exile]. He was like a ·giant snake [monster; dragon; ; ; ; ; ; ] that swallowed us. He filled his stomach with our ·best things [delicacies]. Then he spit us out.


text:
·Babylon did terrible things to hurt us. Now let those things happen to Babylon [May the violence done to me and my flesh be on Babylon],” say the people of ·Jerusalem [Zion; the location of the Temple]. “·The people of Babylon killed our people. Now let them be punished for what they did [May my blood be on the Chaldeans],” says Jerusalem.


text:
So this is what the Lord says: “I will ·soon defend you [present your case; addressed to Judah], and make sure that Babylon is punished. I will dry up Babylon’s sea and make her springs become dry [; ].


text:
Babylon will become a pile of ruins, a ·home [den; haunt] for wild dogs [jackals; ; ; ; ]. People will be shocked and hiss at what happened there. No one will live there anymore.


text:
While they are ·stirred [heated] up, I will give ·a feast for [drinks to] them and make them drunk. They will shout and laugh. And they will sleep forever and never wake up!” says the Lord.


text:
“I will take them [people of Babylon] to be ·killed [slaughtered]. They will be like lambs, like sheep and goats [; ].


text:
“How ·Babylon [Sheshach; an alternate name for Babylon; ] has been ·defeated [captured]! The pride of the whole earth has been ·taken captive [seized]. ·People from other nations are shocked at what happened to Babylon, and the things they see make them afraid [How Babylon has become a horror among the nations].


text:
·Babylon’s [Its] towns are ·ruined and empty [desolate]. It has become a dry, desert land, a land where no one lives. People do not even travel through it .


text:
I will punish the god Bel [another name for Marduk, the chief god of Babylon] in Babylon. I will make him spit out what he has swallowed. Nations will no longer ·come [stream] to Babylon; even the wall around the city will fall.


text:
“Come out of it [Babylon], my people! ·Run for [Escape with] your lives! ·Run [Escape] from the Lord’s great anger.


text:
Don’t lose ·courage [heart]; rumors will spread through the land, but don’t be afraid. One rumor comes this year, and another comes the next year. There will be rumors of ·terrible fighting [violence] in the country, of rulers fighting against rulers.


text:
The ·time will surely come [days are coming] when I will punish the idols of Babylon, and the whole land will be disgraced. There will be many ·dead people [corpses] ·lying all around [falling in its midst].


text:
Then heaven and earth and all that is in them will shout for joy about Babylon. They will shout because the army comes from the north [Persia and its allies] to destroy Babylon,” says the Lord.


text:
“Babylon must fall, because ·she killed people from [of the corpses of] Israel. ·She killed people from everywhere on […and the corpses of all the] earth.


text:
You who have escaped being killed with swords, ·leave Babylon [go; flee; depart]! Don’t wait! Remember the Lord in the faraway land and ·think about Jerusalem [let Jerusalem come up in your heart/mind].”


text:
“We people of Judah are disgraced, because we have been ·insulted [reproached]. ·We have been shamed [Shame/Humiliation covers our face], because strangers have gone into the holy places of the Lord’s Temple [house]!”


text:
So the Lord says, “The ·time is [days are] coming soon when I will punish the idols of Babylon. Wounded people will ·cry with pain [groan] all over that land.


text:
Even if Babylon grows until she touches the ·sky [heavens], and even if she ·makes her highest cities strong [fortifies her lofty stronghold], I will send people to destroy her,” says the Lord.


text:
“Sounds of people crying are heard in Babylon. Sounds of ·people destroying things [great destruction] are heard in the land of the Babylonians.


text:
The Lord is destroying Babylon and making the loud sounds of the city become silent. Enemies come roaring in like ocean waves. The roar of their voices is heard all around.


text:
·The army has come to destroy [Destroyers have come to] Babylon. Her soldiers have been captured, and their bows are broken, because the Lord is a God who punishes people for the evil they do. He ·gives them the full punishment they deserve [repays them in full].


text:
I will make Babylon’s rulers and wise men drunk [with the cup of God’s wrath; ], and her governors, officers, and soldiers, too. Then they will sleep forever and never wake up [],” says the King, whose name is the Lord ·All-Powerful [Almighty; of Heaven’s Armies; of hosts].


text:
This is what the Lord ·All-Powerful [Almighty; of Heaven’s Armies; of hosts] says: “Babylon’s ·thick [broad] wall will be completely ·pulled down [leveled] and her high gates burned with fire. The people will ·work hard [weary themselves], but it won’t help; their work will only become fuel for the flames!”


text:
A Message to Babylon This is the message that Jeremiah the prophet gave to the officer Seraiah son of Neriah, who was the son of Mahseiah [probably Baruch’s brother; ]. Seraiah went to Babylon with Zedekiah king of Judah in the fourth year Zedekiah was king of Judah [593 bc]. ·His duty was to arrange the king’s food and housing on the trip [He was the quartermaster].


text:
Jeremiah had written on a scroll all the ·terrible [disastrous; evil] things that would happen to Babylon, all these words about Babylon.


text:
Jeremiah said to Seraiah, “As soon as you come to Babylon, be sure to read this message so all the people can hear you.


text:
Then say, ‘Lord, you have said that you will ·destroy [cut off] this place so that no people or animals will live in it. It will be an ·empty ruin [desolation] forever.’


text:
Then say, ‘In the same way Babylon will sink and will not rise again because of the ·terrible [disastrous; evil] things I will make happen here. Her people will fall.’” ·The words of Jeremiah end here [Thus far are the words of Jeremiah].


text:
The Fall of Jerusalem Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he became king, and he was king in Jerusalem for eleven years [from 597–586 bc]. His mother’s name was Hamutal daughter of Jeremiah [not the prophet], and she was from Libnah.


text:
Zedekiah did ·what the Lord said was wrong [evil in the eyes of the Lord], just as Jehoiakim [his brother who ruled from 609–597 bc] had done.


text:
All this happened in Jerusalem and Judah because the Lord was angry with them. Finally, he threw them out of his presence. Zedekiah ·turned [rebelled] against the king of Babylon.


text:
Then Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon marched against Jerusalem with his whole army. They made a camp around the city and built ·devices [siege towers] all around the city walls to attack it. This happened on Zedekiah’s ninth year, tenth month, and tenth day as king [January 15, 588].


text:
By the ninth day of the fourth month [July 18], the ·hunger [famine] was ·terrible [severe] in the city; there was no food for the people to eat.


text:
Then the city wall was ·broken through [breeched], and the whole army [of Judah] ·ran away [fled] at night. They left the city through the gate between the two walls by the king’s garden. Even though the ·Babylonians [Chaldeans] were surrounding the city, Zedekiah and his men headed toward the ·Jordan Valley [Arabah].


text:
But the ·Babylonian [Chaldean] army chased King Zedekiah and caught him in the ·plains [Arabah] of Jericho. All of his army was scattered from him.


text:
So the Babylonians ·captured [seized] Zedekiah and took him to the king of Babylon at the town of Riblah in the land of Hamath. There he ·passed sentence on [judged] Zedekiah.


text:
At Riblah the king of Babylon ·killed [slaughtered] Zedekiah’s sons ·as he watched [before his eyes]. The king also ·killed [slaughtered] all the officers of Judah.


text:
Then he ·put out Zedekiah’s eyes [blinded the eyes of Zedekiah], and put bronze chains on him, and took him to Babylon. And the king kept Zedekiah in prison there until the day he died.


text:
Nebuzaradan, commander of the king’s special guards and servant of the king of Babylon, came to Jerusalem on the tenth day of the fifth month. This was in Nebuchadnezzar’s nineteenth year as king of Babylon [August 17, 586 bc].


text:
Nebuzaradan set fire to the ·Temple [house] of the Lord, the ·palace [house of the king], and all the houses of Jerusalem; every ·important building [great/big house] was burned.


text:
The whole ·Babylonian [Chaldean] army, led by the commander of the king’s special guards, ·broke down [demolished] all the walls around Jerusalem.


text:
Nebuzaradan, the commander of the king’s special guards, took captive some of the poorest people, those who ·were left [remained] in Jerusalem, those who had ·surrendered [deserted; defected] to the king of Babylon, and the ·skilled craftsmen [artisans] who were left in Jerusalem.


text:
But Nebuzaradan left behind some of the poorest people of the land to take care of the vineyards and fields.


text:
The ·Babylonians [Chaldeans] broke into pieces the bronze pillars [], the bronze stands [], and the large bronze ·bowl [basin], called the Sea [], which were in the ·Temple [house] of the Lord. Then they carried all the bronze pieces to Babylon.


text:
They also took the pots, shovels, ·wick trimmers [snuffers], bowls, dishes, and all the bronze objects used to serve in the Temple.


text:
The commander of the king’s special guards took away bowls, ·pans for carrying hot coals [firepans], large bowls, pots, lampstands, pans, and bowls used for drink offerings. He took everything that was made of pure gold or silver.


text:
There was so much bronze that it could not be weighed: two pillars, the large bronze bowl called the Sea with the twelve bronze bulls under it, and the movable stands, which King Solomon had made for the Temple of the Lord.


text:
Each of the pillars was about ·twenty-seven feet [eighteen cubits] high, eighteen feet [twelve cubits] around, and hollow inside. The wall of each pillar was ·three inches [four fingers] thick.


text:
The bronze capital on top of the one pillar was about ·seven and one-half feet [five cubits] high. It was decorated with ·a net design [network; latticework] and bronze pomegranates all around it. The other pillar also had pomegranates and was like the first pillar.


text:
There were ninety-six pomegranates on the sides of the pillars. There was a total of a hundred pomegranates above the ·net design [network; latticework].


text:
The commander of the king’s special guards took as prisoners Seraiah the chief priest, Zephaniah the priest next in rank, and the three doorkeepers.


text:
He also took from the city the officer in charge of the soldiers, seven people ·who advised the king [of the king’s council], the ·royal secretary [scribe] who selected people for the army, and sixty other men from Judah who were in the city when it fell.


text:
Nebuzaradan, the commander, took these people and brought them to the king of Babylon at the town of Riblah.


text:
There at Riblah, in the land of Hamath, the king had them killed. So the people of Judah were led away from their country as ·captives [exiles].


text:
This is the number of the people Nebuchadnezzar took away as ·captives [exiles]: in the seventh year [597 bc], 3,023 ·Jews [Judeans];


text:
in Nebuchadnezzar’s twenty-third year [582 bc], Nebuzaradan, commander of the king’s special guards, took 745 ·Jews [Judeans] as ·captives [exiles]. In all 4,600 people were ·taken captive [exiled].


text:
Jehoiachin Is Set Free Jehoiachin king of Judah was in prison in Babylon for thirty-seven years. The year Evil-Merodach became king of Babylon [a son of Nebuchadnezzar, he ruled 562–560 bc] he let Jehoiachin king of Judah out of ·prison [house of confinement]. He set Jehoiachin free on the twenty-fifth day of the twelfth month [March 31, 561 bc].


text:
Evil-Merodach spoke kindly to Jehoiachin and gave him a seat of honor above the seats of the other kings who were with him in Babylon [he honored him above other defeated vassal kings].


text:
So Jehoiachin put away his prison clothes, and for the rest of his life, he ate at the king’s table.


text:
Every day the king of Babylon gave Jehoiachin an allowance. This lasted as long as he lived, until the day Jehoiachin died.


text:
Jerusalem Cries over Her Loss How lonely sits the city [Jerusalem], once so full of people. She is like a widow, once great among the nations []. She was like a queen ·of all the other cities [among the provinces], but now she is a ·slave [forced laborer; vassal].


text:
She [Jerusalem pictured as a widow] cries loudly at night, and tears are on her cheeks. There is no one to comfort her; ·all who loved her are gone [among all her lovers; referring to other nations to whom she unfaithfully turned for help]. All her friends have ·turned against [betrayed] her and are now her enemies.


text:
Judah has gone into ·captivity [exile; to Babylon; ; ; ; ] where she ·suffers [is oppressed/afflicted] ·and works hard [under slavery/harsh servitude]. She lives among other nations, but she has found no rest. Those who ·chased [pursued; persecuted] her caught her ·when she was in trouble [between her distresses].


text:
The roads to ·Jerusalem [Zion; the location of the Temple] ·are sad [mourn], because no one comes for the feasts [Passover, Pentecost, Tabernacles]. ·No one passes through her gates [All her gates are desolate]. Her priests groan, her young women are ·suffering [afflicted], and ·Jerusalem suffers terribly [she is bitter].


text:
Her foes are now her masters. Her enemies ·enjoy the wealth they have taken [prosper]. The Lord is ·punishing [tormenting; afflicting] her for her many ·sins [transgressions]. Her ·children [little ones] have gone away as captives of the ·enemy [foe].


text:
The ·beauty [splendor; majesty] of ·Jerusalem [the daughter of Zion; the location of the Temple; ] has gone away. Her rulers are like deer that cannot find ·food [pasture]. They ·are weak [go without strength] ·and run from the hunters [before those who pursue/chase/persecute them].


text:
Jerusalem ·is suffering and homeless. She […in the days of her affliction and homelessness] remembers all the ·good [desirable; coveted] things from the ·past [former days]. But her people ·were defeated by the enemy [fell to the power/hand of the foe], and there was no one to help her. When her ·enemies [foes] saw her, they laughed ·to see her ruined [at her downfall].


text:
Jerusalem sinned terribly, so she has become ·unclean [or an object of mockery]. Those who honored her now ·hate [despise] her, because they have seen her nakedness. She groans and turns away.


text:
She made herself ·dirty [defiled] ·by her sins [in her skirts; Jerusalem is pictured as a defiled woman; ] and did not think about what would happen to her. Her ·defeat [downfall] was surprising, and no one could comfort her. She says, “Lord, see how I ·suffer [am afflicted], because the enemy has won.”


text:
The ·enemy [foe] ·reached out and took [spread his hands on] all her ·precious [desired; coveted] things. She even saw ·foreigners [nations] enter her ·Temple [holy place; ]. ·The Lord had commanded foreigners […those you commanded] never to enter the meeting place of ·his [your] people.


text:
All of ·Jerusalem’s [its] people groan, ·looking for [seeking] bread. They ·are trading [give] their ·precious [desired; coveted] things for food so they can stay alive. The city says, “Look, Lord, and see. I am ·hated [despised].”


text:
Jerusalem says, “You who pass by on the road ·don’t seem to care [is it nothing to you…?; No, to you]. Come, look at me and see: Is there any ·pain [sorrow] like ·mine [my pain/sorrow]? ·Is there any pain like that he has caused me […which has come upon me]? The Lord has ·punished [afflicted; tormented] me on the day of his great anger.


text:
“He sent fire from above that went ·down [deep] into my bones. He ·stretched [spread] out a net for my feet and turned me back. He made me so ·sad and lonely [desolate] that I am ·weak [faint; sick] all day.


text:
“He ·has noticed my sins [or bound my transgressions into a yoke]; they are ·tied together [intertwined] by his hands; they hang around my neck. ·He has turned my strength into weakness [My strength falters]. The Lord has handed me over to those who ·are stronger than I [I cannot stand against].


text:
“The Lord has rejected all my mighty men ·inside my walls [in my midst]. He ·brought an army [or proclaimed a time] against me to ·destroy [break] my young men. As if in a winepress, the Lord has ·crushed [trampled] the ·capital city [virgin daughter] of Judah [].


text:
“I cry about these things; my eyes overflow with tears. ·There is no one near to comfort me [A comforter is far from me], no one who can ·give me strength again [restore my soul]. My children are ·left sad and lonely [desolate], because the enemy has ·won [prevailed].”


text:
·Jerusalem [Zion; the location of the Temple] ·reaches [spreads] out her hands, but there is no one to comfort her. The Lord commanded the people of Jacob to be surrounded by their ·enemies [foes]. Jerusalem is now unclean [] ·like [among] those around her.


text:
Jerusalem says, “The Lord is ·right [righteous], but I ·refused to obey him [have rebelled against his mouth]. Listen, all you people, and look at my ·pain [sorrow]. My young women and men have gone into captivity [].


text:
“I called out to my ·friends [lovers; ], but they ·turned against [deceived] me. My priests and my elders have died in the city while ·looking for [seeking] food to ·stay alive [revive their strength].


text:
“Look at me, Lord. I am ·upset [distressed] and ·greatly troubled [my innards/stomach/bowels are agitated]. My heart is ·troubled [overturned within me], because I have been so ·stubborn [rebellious]. Out in the streets, the sword ·kills [bereaves]; inside the houses, ·death destroys [it is like death].


text:
“People have heard my groaning, and there is no one to comfort me. All my enemies have heard of my trouble, and they are happy you have done this to me. Now bring that day you have announced so that ·my enemies [they] will be like me.


text:
“·Look at all their evil [Let all their evil come before you]. Do to them what you have done to me because of all my ·sins [transgressions]. I groan over and over again, and ·I am afraid [my heart is sick/faint/weak].”


text:
The Lord Destroyed Jerusalem Look how the Lord in his anger has ·brought Jerusalem to shame [treated the daughter of Zion with contempt; or brought a cloud over the daughter of Zion]. He has thrown down the ·greatness [splendor; beauty] of Israel from the ·sky [heavens] to the earth; he did not remember his footstool [the Temple; ; ], on the day of his anger.


text:
The Lord swallowed up without ·mercy [pity] all the ·houses [homes; dwellings] of the people of Jacob; in his anger he ·pulled down [demolished] the strong places of [the daughter of] Judah. He threw her kingdom and its rulers down to the ground in dishonor.


text:
In his anger he has ·removed [cut to pieces] all the ·strength [horn; a symbol of pride and power] of Israel; he took away his ·power [right hand] from Israel when the enemy came. He burned against the people of Jacob [another name for Israel] like a flaming fire that burns up everything around it.


text:
Like an enemy, he ·prepared to shoot [bent; drew] his bow, and his right hand was against us []. Like an ·enemy [foe], he killed all ·the good-looking people [which eye desired]; he poured out his anger like fire on the tents of ·Jerusalem [the daughter of Zion; the location of the Temple].


text:
The Lord was like an enemy; he swallowed up Israel. He swallowed up all her palaces and destroyed all her strongholds. He has ·caused more [multiplied] moaning and groaning for ·Judah [the daughter of Judah].


text:
He ·cut down [laid waste to; violently treated] his ·Temple [booth] like a ·garden [vineyard]; he destroyed the meeting place. The Lord has made ·Jerusalem [Zion; the location of the Temple] forget the ·set feasts [or meeting place] and Sabbath days. He has ·rejected [despised] the king and the priest in his great anger.


text:
The Lord has rejected his altar and ·abandoned [disavowed] his ·Temple [Holy Place; ]. He has ·handed over to [delivered into the hand of] the enemy the walls of its [probably Jerusalem’s] palaces. ·Their uproar [They gave forth voice] in the Lord’s ·Temple [house] was like that of a feast day.


text:
The Lord planned to destroy the wall around ·Jerusalem [the daughter of Zion; the location of the Temple]. He ·measured the wall [extended a measuring line; usually used in construction but here in demolition] and did not stop himself from ·destroying [swallowing] it. He made the walls and ·defenses [ramparts] ·sad [mourn]; together they have ·fallen [languished].


text:
·Jerusalem’s [Its] gates have ·fallen [sunk] to the ground; he destroyed and smashed the bars [of the gates; ; ; ; ]. Her king and her princes are among the nations. The ·teaching [law; instruction; God’s law] has stopped, and the prophets do not have visions from the Lord.


text:
The elders of ·Jerusalem [the daughter of Zion; the location of the Temple] sit on the ground in silence. They throw dust on their heads and put on ·rough cloth [sackcloth; burlap; signs of grief or repentance]. The young women of Jerusalem bow their heads to the ground [in sorrow].


text:
My eyes ·have no more tears [are exhausted from tears], and ·I am sick to my stomach [my innards/stomach/bowels are agitated]. ·I feel empty inside [My bile/gall is poured out on the ground], because ·my people [the daughter of my people] have been ·destroyed [shattered; broken]. Children and ·babies [nurslings] are fainting in the ·streets [public areas] of the city.


text:
They ask their mothers, “Where is the grain and wine?” They faint like wounded soldiers in the ·streets [public areas] of the city and ·die [pour out their lives] in their mothers’ ·arms [bosom].


text:
What can I ·say [testify] about you, [daughter] Jerusalem? What can I compare you to? What can I say you are like? How can I comfort you, ·Jerusalem [virgin daughter Zion; location of the Temple]? Your ·ruin [wound] is as ·deep [great] as the sea. ·No one [Who…?] can heal you.


text:
Your prophets saw visions, but they were ·false [empty] and ·worth nothing [insipid; nonsense; ]. They did not ·point out [expose] your ·sins [guilt] to ·keep you from being captured [or restore your fortunes]. They ·preached what was [saw oracles for you that were] ·false [empty] and ·led you wrongly [fraudulent].


text:
All who pass by on the road clap their hands at you [in approval of Jerusalem’s destruction; ]; they ·make fun of [hiss at; in scorn; ; ; ] [the daughter of] Jerusalem and shake their heads. They ask, “Is this the city that people called the most beautiful city, the ·happiest place on [joy of the whole] earth []?”


text:
All your enemies ·open [crack] their mouths to speak against you. They make fun and ·grind [gnash] their teeth [in anger]. They say, “We have swallowed you up. This is the day we were ·waiting [hoping] for! We have finally seen it happen.”


text:
The Lord has done what he planned; he has ·kept [fulfilled] his ·word [threat; the covenant curses; ] that he commanded ·long ago [in days of old]. He has ·destroyed [demolished] without ·mercy [pity], and he has let your enemies laugh at you [such as Edom; ]. He has ·strengthened [exalted the horn of; symbol of pride and power] your enemies.


text:
·The people [Their hearts] cry out to the Lord. Wall of ·Jerusalem [the daughter of Zion; the location of the Temple], let your tears flow like a ·river [torrent; wadi] day and night. Do not ·stop [allow yourself relaxation] or let your eyes rest.


text:
Get up, cry out in the night, ·even as the night begins [at the beginning of the night watches; the night was divided into three four-hour watches]. Pour out your heart like water ·in prayer to [before the presence/face of] the Lord. Lift up your hands in prayer to him for the life of your children who are ·fainting [growing weak] with hunger ·on every street corner [at the head of every street].


text:
Jerusalem says: “Look, Lord, and see to whom you have done this. ·Women [Should women…?] eat their own ·babies [fruit; short for “fruit of their womb”], the children ·they have cared for [they have nursed/borne; or which are well-formed; ; ]. ·Priests and prophets are [Should priests and prophets be…?] killed in the ·Temple [holy place] of the Lord.


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“People young and old lie outside on the ground. My young women and young men have ·been killed [fallen] by the sword. You killed them on the day of your anger; you ·killed [slaughtered] them without ·mercy [pity].


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“You invited ·terrors [or enemies] to come against me on every side, as if ·you were inviting them to a feast [on an appointed/feast day]. No one escaped or remained alive on the day of the Lord’s anger. My enemy has ·killed [annihilated] those I ·cared for [nursed; bore] and brought up.”


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The Meaning of Suffering I am a man [symbolizing Jerusalem] who has seen the ·suffering [affliction] that comes from the rod of ·the Lord’s [his] anger.


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He ·surrounded me with sadness and attacked me with grief [has built up and besieged me with bitterness/or poverty and hardship].


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He ·blocked [walled in] my way with ·a stone wall [cut stones] and ·led me in the wrong direction [twisted my paths; ].


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He led me the wrong way and ·let me stray [or tore me to pieces] and left me ·without help [desolate].


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·The Lord [He] filled me with ·misery [bitterness]; he made me drunk with ·suffering [affliction; wormwood; gall; a bitter-tasting herb].


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·I have no more peace [My life/soul is rejected from peace]. I have forgotten ·what happiness is [prosperity; good].


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I said, “My ·strength [luster; or endurance] ·is gone [has perished], and I have no hope in the Lord.”


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Lord, remember my ·suffering [affliction] and my ·misery [or wanderings; homelessness; ], ·my sorrow and trouble [it is wormwood and gall; ].


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He should sit alone and be ·quiet [silent]; ·the Lord has given him hard work to do [when it is imposed/heavy on him].


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He should ·let anyone slap [give to the striker] his cheek; he should be ·filled [sated] with ·shame [scorn].


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·He sees [Does he not see…?] if any prisoner of the earth is crushed under ·his [or their; the wicked oppressors’] feet;


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·he sees [does he not see…?] if ·someone is treated unfairly [human rights are distorted] before the Most High God;


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Let us ·examine [check] and ·see [investigate] ·what we have done [our ways] and then return to the Lord [repent; ; ].


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“You ·wrapped [covered] yourself in anger and ·chased [pursued] us; you killed us without ·mercy [pity].


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You made us like ·scum [sweepings] and trash ·among the other nations [in the midst of the peoples].


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·Streams of tears [Channels of water] flow from my eyes, because ·my people are destroyed [of the fracture of my people].


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·I am sad when I see [My eyes torment my life/soul] ·what has happened to all the women [because of all the daughters] of my city.


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You heard ·me calling [my voice], “Do not close your ears ·and ignore my gasps and shouts [to my cries for relief].”


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Lord, ·you have taken my case [you defend/have defended me] and ·given me back [redeem; redeemed] my life.


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You have seen ·how my enemies took revenge on me [all their vengeance] ·and made evil plans against me [all their plots against me].


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The ·words [whispers; lips] and ·thoughts [mumblings; murmurs] of ·my enemies [those who rise up against me] are against me all the time.


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Look! In ·everything they do [their sitting and their rising up] they ·make fun of me with songs [sing mocking songs; ].


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The Attack on Jerusalem See how the gold has ·lost its shine [lost its luster; become dim/dark], how the pure gold has ·dulled [changed]! The stones of the ·Temple [Holy Place] are scattered at ·every street corner [the top of every street].


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The precious ·people [children; sons] of ·Jerusalem [Zion; the location of the Temple] were ·more valuable than [worth their weight in] gold, but now they are thought of as clay jars ·made by [the work of] the hands of a potter.


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Even ·wild dogs [jackals] ·give their milk [prepare the breast] to ·feed [suckle; nurse] their young, but [the daughter of] my people are ·cruel [violent] like ostriches in the ·desert [wilderness; ].


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The ·babies [nurslings] are so thirsty their tongues stick to ·the roofs of their mouths [their palates]. Children ·beg [ask] for bread, but no one ·gives [offers] them any.


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Those who once ate ·fine foods [delicacies; the food of the rich; , ] are ·now starving [desolate] in the streets. People who ·grew up [were nurtured] ·wearing nice clothes [in purple/or crimson; expensive clothes often associated with royalty] now ·pick through [cling to] ·trash piles [ash heaps; ; ; ].


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·My people have been punished more than Sodom was [The iniquity/or punishment of the daughter of my people is greater than the sin/or punishment of Sodom]. ·Sodom […which] was ·destroyed [overturned] suddenly, and no hands ·reached out to help her [or were wrung; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ].


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·Our [or Her] princes were purer than snow, and whiter than milk. Their bodies were redder than ·rubies [or coral]; they looked like ·sapphires [lapis lazuli].


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But now ·they [their faces] are blacker than coal, and no one recognizes them in the streets. Their skin ·hangs [or shrivels] on their bones; it is as dry as wood.


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Those who were ·killed [pierced] ·in the war [by the sword] were better off than those ·killed [pierced] by ·hunger [famine]. They ·starve in pain and die [drain/waste away], ·because there is no food from the field [deprived of the produce of the field; ; ].


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With their own hands ·kind [compassionate] women ·cook [boil] their own children. They became food when ·my [the daughter of my] people were ·destroyed [fractured; broken; ].


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The Lord turned loose all of his anger; he poured out his ·strong [hot] anger. He set fire to ·Jerusalem [Zion; the location of the Temple; ], ·burning it down to the [consuming its] foundations.


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Kings of the earth and ·people [the inhabitants] of the world could not believe that enemies and foes could enter the gates of Jerusalem [since God had made his presence known there; ].


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It happened because her prophets sinned and her priests did evil [; , ; ; ]. They ·killed [poured out blood] in ·the city [its midst] ·those who did what was right [the righteous].


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They wandered in the streets as if they were blind. They were ·dirty [defiled; in a ritual sense] with blood [as if covered with menstrual blood; ], so no one ·would [was able to] touch their clothes.


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“·Go away [Turn aside]! ·You are unclean [Unclean!; in a ritual sense],” people shouted at them. “·Get away [Turn aside]! ·Get away [Turn aside]! Don’t touch us!” So they ran away and wandered. Even the other nations said, “Don’t stay here.”


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The Lord himself ·scattered [dispersed] them and did not ·look after [regard] them anymore. No one respects the priests or ·honors [has favor for] the elders.


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Also, our eyes ·grew tired [failed], looking for help ·that never came [in vain; without purpose; ; ; , ]. We kept watch ·from our towers [or eagerly] for a nation ·to save us [that could not save us/give us victory; Judah had hoped that Egypt would rescue them from Babylon; , ].


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·Our enemies [They] ·hunted [dogged] ·us [our steps], so we could not even walk in the ·streets [public areas]. Our end is near. Our ·time [days] ·is [fill] up. Our end has come.


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Those who ·chased [pursued] us were faster than eagles in the ·sky [heavens]. They ·ran [chased] us into the mountains and ambushed us in the ·desert [wilderness].


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The Lord’s ·appointed king [anointed; Judah’s king], ·who was our very breath [the breath of our life/nostrils], was caught in their traps []. We had said about him, “We will ·be protected by him [live in his shadow/shade] among the nations.”


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Be happy and ·glad [rejoice], ·people [daughter] of Edom, you who live in the land of Uz [city in Edom; ; ]. The cup [of God’s judgment] will ·come [pass] to you; then you will get drunk and go naked [; ].


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Your ·punishment [or iniquity] is complete, ·Jerusalem [daughter of Zion; the location of the Temple]. He will not send you into ·captivity again [exile]. But the Lord will punish the ·sins [iniquity] of Edom; he will ·uncover [expose] your ·evil [sin].


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A Prayer to the Lord Remember, Lord, what happened to us [a call to God for help and revenge]. Look and see our ·disgrace [scorn].


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Our ·land [inheritance] has been turned over to strangers; our houses have been given to foreigners.


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·Those who chase after us want to catch us [We are pursued] by the neck. We are ·tired [exhausted] and find no rest.


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Our ·ancestors [fathers] sinned against you, but they are ·gone [no more]; now we ·suffer because of their sins [bear their iniquity].


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·Slaves [Servants] ·have become our rulers [rule over us; ; ; ; ], and no one can ·save us from them [tear them off us].


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We risk our lives to get our ·food [bread]; ·we face death in the desert [because of the sword in the wilderness; fields were outside the walls of the city where the enemy camped].


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Our skin is ·hot [or black] like an oven; ·we burn with [from the heat/fever of] ·starvation [famine].


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·The enemy [They] ·abused [violated; raped] the women ·of Jerusalem [in Zion; the location of the Temple] and the ·girls [virgins] in the ·cities [towns] of Judah.


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The young men ·ground grain at the mill [are forced to grind], and boys stumbled under loads of wood.


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The ·elders [or old men] ·no longer sit at the city [have left the] gates [the center of government and business]; the young men no longer sing.


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But you ·rule [sit; as king] forever, Lord. ·You will be King [Your throne] ·from now on [from generation to generation].


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Why have you forgotten us for so long? Have you ·left [abandoned; forsaken] us ·forever [for length of days]?


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Bring us back to you, Lord, and we will ·return [be restored]. ·Make [Renew] our days as they were before,


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Ezekiel’s Vision of Living Creatures It was the thirtieth year, on the fifth day of the fourth month [of Ezekiel’s life, or of Nabopolassar’s reign, or since King Josiah’s reforms]. I was by the Kebar ·River [Canal; a branch of the Euphrates River south of Babylon] among the ·people who had been carried away as captives [exiles]. The ·sky [heavens] opened, and I saw visions of God.


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It was the fifth day of the month of the fifth year that King Jehoiachin had been ·a prisoner [in exile/captivity; 593 bc; , ].


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The ·Lord spoke his word [word of the Lord came] to Ezekiel son of Buzi in the land of the Babylonians by the Kebar ·River [Canal; ]. There ·he felt the power of the Lord [the hand of the Lord was on him].


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When I looked, I saw a ·stormy wind [windstorm] coming from the north [storms often represent the presence of God; ]. There was a great cloud with ·a bright light [or lightning flashing] around it and ·fire flashing out of [or brightness all around] it. Something that looked like glowing ·metal [or amber] was in the center of the fire.


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Inside ·the cloud [or the fire; its midst] was what looked like four living creatures [], who ·were shaped like [had the appearance of] humans,


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Their legs were straight. Their feet were like a calf’s hoofs and ·sparkled [gleamed] like ·polished [burnished] bronze [].


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The living creatures had human hands under their wings on their four sides. All four of them had faces and wings,


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and their wings touched each other. The living creatures did not turn when they moved, but each went straight ahead.


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Their faces looked like this: Each living creature had ·a human face [or the face of a man] and the face of a lion on the right side and the face of an ox on the left side. And each one also had the face of an eagle.


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That was what their faces looked like. Their wings were spread out above. Each had two wings that touched one of the other living creatures and two wings that covered its body.


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Each went straight ahead. Wherever the ·spirit [or wind] would go, the living creatures would also go, without turning.


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The living creatures looked like burning coals of fire or like torches. Fire went back and forth among the living creatures. It was ·bright [radiant], and lightning flashed from it.


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Now as I looked at the living creatures, I saw a wheel on the ground by each of the living creatures with its four faces.


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The wheels and ·the way they were made [their construction/structure] ·were like this [had this appearance]: They looked like sparkling ·chrysolite [or topaz; or beryl]. All four of them looked the same, like one wheel ·crossways inside [in the middle of] another wheel.


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When the living creatures moved, the wheels moved beside them. When the living creatures ·were lifted up [rose] from the ground, the wheels also ·were lifted up [rose].


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Wherever the ·spirit [or wind] would go, the living creatures would go. And the wheels ·were lifted up [rose] beside them, because the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels.


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When the living creatures moved, the wheels moved. When the living creatures stopped, the wheels stopped. And when the living creatures ·were lifted [rose] from the ground, the wheels ·were lifted [rose] beside them, because the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels.


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Now, ·over [stretched over] the heads of the living creatures was something like a ·dome [vault; expanse; or platform; ] that sparkled like ·ice [crystal] and was ·frightening [or awesome].


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And under the ·dome [vault; expanse; or platform] the wings of the living creatures were stretched out straight toward one another. Each living creature also had two wings covering its body.


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I heard the sound of their wings, like the ·roaring sound of the sea [sound of many waters], as they moved. It was like the voice of ·God Almighty [the Almighty], a ·roaring sound [tumult] like a noisy army. When the living creatures stopped, they lowered their wings.


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A voice came from above the ·dome [vault; expanse; or platform] over the heads of the living creatures. When the living creatures stopped, they lowered their wings.


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Now above the ·dome [vault; expanse; or platform] there was something that looked like a throne. It looked like ·a sapphire gem [or lapis lazuli]. And on the throne high above was a ·shape [form; figure] like a ·human [man].


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Then I noticed that from the waist up the shape looked like glowing ·metal [or amber] with fire inside. From the waist down it looked like fire, and a bright light was all around.


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The surrounding ·glow [radiance; brightness] looked like the rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day. ·It seemed to look like [This was the appearance of the likeness of] the glory of the Lord [his manifest presence]. So when I saw it, I ·bowed [fell] facedown on the ground and heard a voice speaking.


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The Lord Speaks to Ezekiel He said to me, “·Human [Son of man; used 93 times in the book to address the prophet; it means “human being” and stresses the frailty of humanity in contrast to the sovereignty of God], stand up on your feet so I may speak with you.”


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While he spoke to me, ·the Spirit [or a spirit; or a wind] entered me and put me on my feet. Then I heard ·the Lord [him] speaking to me.


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He said, “·Human [Son of man; ], I am sending you to the ·people [sons; children] of Israel, that nation of rebels who have ·turned [rebelled] against me. They and their ·ancestors [fathers] have ·sinned [revolted; transgressed] against me ·until [to] this very day.


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I am sending you to people who are ·stubborn [impudent] and ·who do not obey [stubborn; obstinate]. You will say to them, ‘This is what the Lord God says.’


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They may listen, or they may not, since they are a ·people who have turned against me [rebellious house]. But they will know that a prophet has been among them.


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You, ·human [son of man; ], don’t be afraid of ·the people [them] or their words. Even though ·they may be like thorny branches and stickers [briars and thorns are] all around you, and though you ·may feel like you live with stinging [sit among; or dwell among] scorpions, don’t be afraid. Don’t be afraid of their words or terrified by their looks, because they are a ·people who turn against me [rebellious house].


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But speak my words to them. They may listen, or they may not, because they ·turn against me [are rebellious].


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But you, ·human [son of man; ], listen to what I say to you. Don’t ·turn against me [rebel] ·as those people do [like that rebellious house]. Open your mouth and eat what I am giving you.”


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Then I looked and ·saw [behold] a hand stretched out to me, and a ·scroll [scroll with writing on it; scroll of a document/book] was in it [; ].


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He ·opened [unrolled] the scroll in front of me. Written on the front and back were ·funeral songs, sad writings, and warnings about disaster [words of lament, mourning, and woe].


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Then the Lord said to me, “·Human [Son of man; ], eat what ·you find [you see; is before you]; eat this scroll. Then go and speak to the ·people [house] of Israel.”


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He said to me, “·Human [Son of man; ], eat this scroll which I am giving you, and fill your stomach with it.” Then I ate it, and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth [; , ].


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Then he said to me, “·Human [Son of man; ], go to the ·people [house] of Israel, and speak my words to them.


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[For; Because] You are not being sent to people ·whose speech you can’t understand [of obscure/foreign language; deep of lip], ·whose language is difficult [and heavy tongue]. You are being sent to [the house of] Israel.


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You are not being sent to many nations ·whose speech you can’t understand [of obscure/foreign language; deep of lip], ·whose language is difficult [and heavy tongue], whose words you cannot understand. If I had sent you to them, they would have listened to you.


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But the ·people [house] of Israel will not be willing to listen to you, because they are not willing to listen to me. Yes, all the ·people [house] of Israel are ·stubborn [hardheaded] and ·will not obey [hardhearted].


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·See [Behold], I now make ·you as stubborn [your face as strong as their face] and ·as hard as they are [your forehead as strong as their forehead].


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I am making ·you [your forehead] as hard as ·a diamond [or flint; or the hardest stone], harder than ·stone [or flint]. Don’t be afraid of them or be ·frightened [terrified; dismayed] by them, though they are a ·people who turn against me [rebellious house].”


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Also, he said to me, “·Human [Son of man; ], ·believe [take in your heart] all the words I will speak to you, and ·listen carefully to them [hear with your ears].


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Then go to the ·captives [exiles], ·your own [the sons of your] people, and say to them, ‘The Lord God says this.’ Tell them this whether they listen or not.”


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Then ·the Spirit [or the spirit; or a wind] lifted me up, and I heard a loud rumbling ·sound [or voice] behind me, ·saying, “Praise the glory of the Lord [his manifest presence] in heaven [or as the glory of the Lord rose from its place].”


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·I heard [or It was the sound of] the wings of the living creatures touching each other and the sound of the wheels by them. It was a loud rumbling sound.


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So ·the Spirit [or the spirit; or a wind] lifted me up and took me away. I ·was unhappy and angry [went in bitterness in the heat/wrath of my spirit], and I felt the great ·power [hand] of the Lord.


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I came to the ·captives [exiles] from Judah, who lived by the Kebar ·River [Canal; ] at Tel Abib. I sat there seven days where these people lived, feeling ·shocked [stunned; overwhelmed; distressed].


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Israel’s Warning ·After [At the end of] seven days the ·Lord spoke his word [word of the Lord came] to me again. He said,


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“·Human [Son of man; ], I ·now make [or have made] you a watchman for [the house of] Israel. Any time you hear a word from my mouth, warn them for me.


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·When [or If] I say to the wicked, ‘You will surely die,’ but you don’t speak out to warn them to stop their evil ways, they will die ·in their sin [for their iniquity]. But I will hold you ·responsible [accountable] for their death.


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But if you warn the wicked and they do not turn from their wickedness or their ·evil ways [wicked lifestyle], they will die because of their sin. But you will have saved your ·life [soul].


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“Again, ·those who do right [the righteous] may turn away from ·doing good [righteousness] and ·do evil [commit iniquity/injustice]. If I ·make something bad happen to [lay a stumbling block before] them, they will die. Because you have not warned them, they will die because of their sin, and the ·good [righteous things] they did will not be remembered. But I will hold you ·responsible [accountable] for their deaths.


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But if you have warned ·those good people [the righteous] not to sin, and they do not sin, they will surely live, because they ·believed [took; received] the warning. And you will have saved your ·life [soul].”


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Then I felt the ·power [hand] of the Lord there. He said to me, “Get up and go out to the ·plain [or valley]. There I will speak to you.”


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So I got up and went out to the ·plain [or valley]. ·I saw [And behold] the glory of the Lord [his manifest presence] standing there, like the glory I saw by the Kebar ·River [Canal; ], and I ·bowed [fell] facedown on the ground.


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Then the Spirit entered me and ·made me stand [set me] on my feet. He spoke to me and said, “Go, shut yourself up in your house.


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As for you, ·human [son of man; ], the people will tie you up with ·ropes [cords] so that you will not be able to go out among them.


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Also, I will make your tongue stick to the roof of your mouth so you will be silent [Ezekiel would be mute for seven and a half years (see dates in and ), except when the Lord opened his mouth with prophetic revelations; ]. You will not be able to ·argue with [rebuke; reprove] the people, ·even though they turn against me [for they are a rebellious house].


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But when I speak to you, I will open your mouth, and you will say to them, ‘The Lord God says this.’ Those who will listen, let them listen. Those who refuse, let them refuse, because they are a ·people who turn against me [rebellious house].


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The Map of Jerusalem “Now, ·human [son of man; ], get yourself a brick, put it in front of you, and ·draw [inscribe; engrave] ·a map [the city] of Jerusalem on it.


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Then ·surround it with an army [lay a siege against it]. Build ·battle [siege] works against the city and a ·dirt road to the top of the city walls [siege ramp/mound against it]. Set up camps around it, and put ·heavy logs in place to break down the walls [battering rams all around].


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Then get yourself an iron ·plate [pan] and set it up like an iron wall between you and the city. Turn your face toward the city ·as if to attack it [or and it will be under siege] and then ·attack [besiege it]. This is a sign to [the house of] Israel.


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“Then lie down on your left side, and take the ·guilt [punishment; iniquity] of [the house of] Israel on yourself. Their ·guilt [punishment; iniquity] will be on you for the number of days you lie on your left side.


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I have ·given [assigned to] you the same number of days as the years of the people’s sin. So you will have the ·guilt of Israel’s sin on you [punishment/iniquity of the house of Israel] for three hundred ninety days.


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“After you have finished these days, lie down a second time, on your right side. You will then have the ·guilt [punishment; iniquity] of [the house of] Judah on you. I will give it to you for forty days, a day for each ·year of their sin [year].


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Then you will ·look [turn your face] toward Jerusalem, which is being ·attacked [besieged]. With your arm bare, you will prophesy against Jerusalem.


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[And look/behold] I will put ·ropes [cords] on you so you cannot turn from one side to the other until you have finished the days of your ·attack on Jerusalem [siege].


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“Take wheat, barley, beans, ·small peas [lentils], millet and spelt [a kind of wheat; all foods common to Babylon, where Ezekiel was exiled], and put them in one ·bowl [vessel; container], and make them into bread for yourself. You will eat it the three hundred ninety days you lie on your side.


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You will ·drink [measure out and drink] ·about two-thirds of a quart [a sixth of a hin] of water ·every day at set times [from time to time].


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Then the Lord said, “In the same way [the sons/children of] Israel will eat unclean food [ritually; ] among the nations where I ·force them to go [drive/banish them].”


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But I said, “·No [Ah], Lord God! I have never ·been made unclean [defiled myself; ritually]. From the time I was young until now I’ve never eaten anything that died ·by itself [naturally; a carcass] or was ·torn [mauled] by ·animals [wild beasts]. ·Unclean [Impure; ritually] meat has never entered my mouth.”


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“Very well,” he said. “Then I will give you cow’s dung instead of human dung to use for your fire to bake your bread.”


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He also said to me, “·Human [Son of man; ], I am going to cut off the supply of bread to Jerusalem. They will eat the bread that is measured out to them, and they will ·worry as they eat [eat anxiously]. They will drink water that is measured out to them, and they will be in ·shock [terror; dismay] as they drink it.


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This is because bread and water will be hard to find [because of the siege] The people will be ·shocked [terrified; dismayed] at the sight of each other, and they will ·become weak [waste away] because of their ·sin [punishment; iniquity].


text:
Ezekiel Cuts His Hair “Now, ·human [son of man; ], take a sharp sword, and use it like a barber’s razor to shave your head and beard. Then take scales and weigh and divide the hair.


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Burn one-third with fire ·in the middle of [inside] the city when the days of the ·attack on Jerusalem [siege] are over. Then take one-third and cut it up with the ·knife [sword] all around the city. And scatter one-third to the wind. This is how I will chase them with ·a sword [unsheathed sword].


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Take a few more and throw them into the fire and burn them up. From there a fire will spread to all the ·people [house] of Israel.


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“This is what the Lord God says: This is Jerusalem. I have put her at the center of the nations with countries all around her.


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But she has ·refused to obey [rebelled against] my ·laws [judgments] and has been more ·evil [wicked] than the nations. She has refused to ·obey [walk in] my ·rules [statutes; ordinances; requirements], even more than ·nations [lands] around her. The people of Jerusalem have rejected my ·laws [judgments] and have not ·lived by [walked in] my ·rules [statutes; ordinances; requirements].


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“So this is what the Lord God says: You have ·caused more trouble [been more insubordinate/arrogant] than the nations around you. You have not followed my ·rules [statutes; ordinances; requirements] or obeyed my ·laws [judgments]. You have not even obeyed the ·laws [judgments] of the nations around you.


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“So this is what the Lord God says: [Look; Behold] I myself am against you, and I will ·punish you [execute judgments in your midst] ·as the nations watch [in the sight of the nations].


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I will do things ·among [to] you that I have not done before and that I will never do anything like again, because ·you do the things I hate [of your detestable practices/or idols].


text:
So ·parents [fathers] among you will eat their ·children [sons], and ·children [sons] will eat their ·parents [fathers; because of horrific starvation during the siege; ; ; ]. I will ·punish you [execute judgments] and will scatter to the winds all ·who are left alive [the survivors].


text:
So the Lord God says: You have ·made my Temple unclean [defiled my sanctuary] with all your ·evil idols [abominations] and ·the hateful things you do [your detestable practices/or idols]. Because of this, as surely as I live, I will ·cut you off [or shave you; a humiliation]. ·I will have [My eye will show] no pity, and I will show no mercy.


text:
A third of you will die by ·disease [plague; pestilence] or be ·destroyed [overcome; consumed] by ·hunger [famine] inside your walls. A third will fall dead by the sword ·outside your walls [all around]. And a third I will scatter in every direction as I chase them with a ·sword [drawn/unsheathed sword].


text:
Then my anger will ·come to an end [be finished]. ·I will use it up against them […and my wrath will cease], and then I will be ·satisfied [calmed; appeased]. Then they will know that I, the Lord, have spoken. After I have carried out my ·anger [wrath] against them, they will know ·how strongly I felt [my zeal/jealousy].


text:
“I will make you a ruin and a ·shame [reproach; object of mockery] among the nations around you, ·to be seen by [in the eyes of] all who pass by.


text:
Then you will be ·shamed [a reproach/object of mockery] and ·made fun of [taunted] by the nations around. You will be a warning and a ·terror [horror] to them. This will happen when I ·punish [execute judgments against] you in my ·great anger [anger, wrath, and furious rebukes]. I, the Lord, have spoken.


text:
I will ·send a time of hunger [shoot deadly and destructive arrows of famine] to destroy you, and then I will make your ·hunger [famine] get even worse, and I will cut off your supply of food.


text:
I will send a time of hunger and wild animals against you, and they will ·kill your children [bereave you]. ·Disease [Plague; Pestilence] and death will sweep through your people, and I will bring the sword against you to kill you. I, the Lord, have spoken.”


text:
Prophecies Against the Mountains Again the ·Lord spoke his word [word of the Lord came] to me, saying:


text:
“·Human [Son of man; ], ·look [set your face] toward the mountains of Israel, and prophesy against them.


text:
Say, ‘Mountains of Israel, listen to the word of the Lord God. The Lord God says this to the mountains, the hills, the ravines, and the valleys: [Look; Behold] I ·will [or am about to] bring a sword against you, and I will destroy your ·places of idol worship [high places; pagan worship sites; ; ].


text:
Your altars will be ·destroyed [desolated] and your incense altars ·broken down [smashed]. ·Your people will be killed [I will throw down your slain] in front of your idols.


text:
I will lay the dead bodies of the Israelites in front of their idols, and I will scatter your bones around your altars.


text:
In all the places you live, cities will become ·empty [desolate; laid waste]. The ·places of idol worship [high places; ] will be ruined; your altars will become ·lonely [wasted] ruins. Your idols will be ·broken [smashed] and ·brought to an end [ruined]. Your incense altars will be cut down, and ·the things you made [your works; or the idols/religious objects you have made] will be wiped out.


text:
·Your people will be killed and [The slain will] fall among you. Then you will know that I am the Lord.


text:
“‘But I will leave some people alive; some will ·not be killed by the nations [escape the sword] when you are scattered among the foreign lands.


text:
Then those who have escaped will remember me, as they live among the nations where they have been taken as captives. They will remember how I was ·hurt [grieved; crushed] ·because they were unfaithful to me [by their adulterous heart] and turned away from me and ·desired to worship [by their eyes that have prostituted themselves with] their idols. They will ·hate [loathe] themselves because of ·the evil things they did that I hate [their abominations/detestable practices].


text:
Then they will know that I am the Lord. I did not ·bring this terrible thing on them for no reason [or threaten in vain this catastrophe against them].


text:
“‘This is what the Lord God says: Clap your hands, stamp your feet, and ·groan [say, “Ah!”] because of all the ·hateful, evil things [evil and detestable practices] the ·people [house] of Israel have done. They will ·die by war [fall by the sword], ·hunger [famine], and ·disease [plague; pestilence; ].


text:
The person who is far away will die by ·disease [plague; pestilence]. The one who is nearby will ·die in war [fall by the sword]. The person who ·is still alive [remains and is spared] and has escaped these will die from ·hunger [famine]. So I will ·carry out [spend; exhaust] my ·anger [wrath; fury] on them.


text:
Their people will lie dead among their idols around the altars, on every high hill, on all the mountain tops, and under every green tree and leafy oak—all the places where they offered ·sweet-smelling [fragrant; or pleasing] incense to their idols. Then you will know that I am the Lord.


text:
I will ·use my power [stretch out my hand] against them to make the land ·empty [desolate] and wasted from the ·desert [wilderness] to ·Diblah, wherever they live. Then they will know that I am the Lord.’”


text:
“·Human [Son of man; ], the Lord God says this to the land of Israel: An end! The end has come on the four corners of the land.


text:
Now the end has come for you, and I will send my anger against you. I will judge you for the way you have lived, and I will ·make you pay [punish you; or hold you accountable; place upon you] for all your ·actions that I hate [detestable/abominable practices].


text:
·I will have no pity on [My eye will not pity] you; I will not ·hold back punishment from [spare] you. Instead, I will make you pay for the way you have lived and for your ·actions that I hate [detestable/abominable practices]. Then you will know that I am the Lord.


text:
“This is what the Lord God says: Disaster ·on top of [or unheard of] disaster ·is [look/behold, it is] coming.


text:
The end has come! The end has come! It has ·stirred itself up [aroused; awakened] against you! Look! It ·has come [or is coming]!


text:
·Disaster [Doom] has come for you who live in the land! The time has come; the day of is near. It will be a day of ·confusion [panic], not ·celebration [shouts of joy], on the mountains.


text:
Soon I will pour out my ·anger [wrath] against you; I will ·carry out [spend; exhaust] my anger against you. I will judge you for the way you have lived and will ·make you pay [punish you; or hold you accountable] for ·everything you have done that I hate [your detestable/abominable practices].


text:
·I will show no pity [My eye will not pity you], and I will not ·hold back punishment [spare you]. I will ·pay you back [punish you; or hold you accountable] for ·the way you have lived and the things you have done that I hate [your detestable/abominable practices]. Then you will know that I am the Lord who ·punishes [strikes you].


text:
“·Look [Behold], the day is here. ·Look [Behold] It has come. ·Disaster [Doom] has ·come [gone out], ·violence has grown [the rod has budded; ; may refer to Nebuchadnezzar, the instrument of God’s judgment], ·and there is more pride than ever [pride/arrogance has blossomed].


text:
Violence has grown into a ·weapon [rod; staff] for punishing wickedness. None of the people will be left—none of that crowd, none of their wealth, and ·nothing of value [or none of their prominent ones].


text:
The time has come; the day has arrived. Don’t let the buyer ·be happy [rejoice] or the seller ·be sad [grieve; mourn], because my ·burning anger [wrath] is against the whole crowd.


text:
Sellers will not ·return to the land [or recover the property] they have sold as long as they live, because the vision against all that crowd will not be ·changed [revoked; reversed]. Because of their ·sins [iniquity], they will not ·save [preserve] their lives.


text:
They have blown the trumpet, and everything is ready. But no one is going to the battle, because my ·anger [wrath] is against all that crowd.


text:
“The sword is outside, and ·disease [pestilence; plague] and ·hunger [famine] are inside []. Whoever is in the field will die by the sword. ·Hunger [Famine] and ·disease [pestilence; plague] will destroy those in the city.


text:
·Those who are left alive and [The survivors] who escape will be on the mountains, moaning like doves of the valleys about their own ·sin [iniquity].


text:
All hands ·will hang weakly with fear [are weak/limp], and all knees will ·become weak as water [or be wet with urine; run with water].


text:
They will put on ·rough cloth to show how sad they are [burlap; sackcloth]. ·They will tremble all over with fear [Terror/Horror covers them]. Their faces will show their shame, and all their heads will be shaved.


text:
The people will throw their silver into the streets, and their gold will be like ·trash [filth; an unclean thing]. Their silver and gold will not save them from the Lord’s ·anger [wrath]. It will not satisfy their hunger or fill their stomachs, because it ·caused them to fall [was their stumbling block] into sin.


text:
·They were proud of their beautiful jewelry [or They used God’s ornaments for their own prideful means; the ornaments could refer to the temple treasures] and used it to make their ·idols [abominable images] and their ·evil statues, which I hate [detestable/abominable idols]. So I will turn their wealth into ·trash [filth; an unclean thing].


text:
I will give it to foreigners as loot from war and to the ·evil [or most wicked] people in the world as ·treasure [plunder], and they will ·dishonor [desecrate; defile; ritually] it.


text:
I will also turn [my face] away from the ·people [house] of Israel, and they will ·dishonor [desecrate; defile; ritually] my treasured place. Then robbers will enter and ·dishonor [desecrate; defile; ritually] it.


text:
“·Make chains for captives [Prepare/Forge the chains], because the land is full of bloody crimes and the city is full of violence.


text:
So I will bring the ·worst [most evil/wicked/ruthless] of the nations to take over the people’s houses. I will also end the pride of the strong, and their ·holy places [sanctuaries] will be ·dishonored [desecrated; defiled; ritually].


text:
·When the people are suffering greatly [or Terror/Anguish is coming!], they will look for peace, but there will be none.


text:
Disaster will come on top of disaster, and rumor will be added to rumor. Then they will ·try to get [seek] a vision from a prophet; the ·teachings of God [laws; instructions] from the priest and the ·advice [counsel] from the elders ·will be lost [perishes].


text:
The king will ·cry greatly [mourn], the prince will ·give up hope [be clothed/wrapped in despair], and the hands of the people of land will shake with fear. I will ·punish [deal with] them for the way they have lived. The way they have judged others is the way I will judge them. Then they will know that I am the Lord.”


text:
Ezekiel’s Vision of Jerusalem It was the sixth year [since king Jehoiachin’s exile ()], on the fifth day of the sixth month [September 17, 592 bc; this vision is the subject of ]. I was sitting in my house with the elders of Judah in front of me. There ·I felt the power of the Lord God [the hand of the Lord God came upon me].


text:
I looked and saw something that looked like a ·human [man]. From the waist down it looked like fire, and from the waist up it looked like bright glowing ·metal [or amber].


text:
·It [or He] stretched out the shape of a hand and caught me by the hair on my head. ·The Spirit [or A spirit; or The wind] lifted me up between the earth and ·the sky [heaven]. He took me in visions of God to Jerusalem, to the entrance to the north gate of the inner courtyard of the Temple. In the courtyard was the ·idol that caused God to be jealous [image of jealousy; ; , ].


text:
I saw the glory of the God of Israel [his manifest presence] there, as I had seen ·on the plain [in the valley].


text:
Then he said to me, “·Human [Son of man; ], now look toward the north.” So I looked up toward the north, and in the entrance north of the gate of the altar was the ·idol that caused God to be jealous [image of jealousy].


text:
He said to me, “·Human [Son of man; ], do you see what they are doing? Do you see how many ·hateful [detestable; abominable] things the ·people [house] of Israel are doing here that drive me far away from my ·Temple [sanctuary]? But you will see things more ·hateful [detestable; abominable] than these.”


text:
He said to me, “·Human [Son of man], dig through the wall.” So I dug through the wall and saw an ·entrance [doorway].


text:
Then he said to me, “Go in and see the ·hateful [detestable; abominable], ·evil [wicked] things they are doing here.”


text:
So I entered and looked, and ·I saw [look; behold] every kind of crawling thing [] and hateful beast [unclean animal, ritually] and all the idols of the ·people [house] of Israel, ·carved [engraved] on the wall all around [such images were idolatrous; ; ].


text:
Standing in front of these carvings and idols were seventy of the elders of [the house of] Israel and Jaazaniah son of Shaphan. Each man had his ·pan for burning incense [censer] in his hand, and a ·sweet-smelling [fragrant] cloud of incense was rising.


text:
Then he said to me, “·Human [Son of man; ], have you seen what the elders of [the house of] Israel are doing in the dark? Have you seen each man in the ·room [chamber; shrine] of his own ·idol [carved image]? They say, ‘The Lord doesn’t see us. The Lord has ·left [abandoned; forsaken] the land.’”


text:
He also said to me, “You will see even more ·hateful [detestable; abominable] things that they are doing.”


text:
Then he brought me to the entrance of the north gate of the ·Temple [house] of the Lord, where I saw women sitting and crying for Tammuz [a Babylonian god of fertility and rain, whose annual death marked the change of seasons].


text:
He said to me, “Do you see, ·human [son of man; ]? You will see things even more ·hateful [detestable; abominable] than these.”


text:
Then he brought me into the inner courtyard of the ·Temple [house of the Lord]. There I saw about twenty-five men at the entrance to the ·Temple [house] of the Lord, between the ·porch [portico] and the altar. With their backs turned to the Temple of the Lord, they faced east and were worshiping the sun in the east.


text:
He said to me, “Do you see, ·human [son of man; ]? Is it ·unimportant [a trivial thing] that the ·people [house] of Judah are doing the ·hateful [detestable; abominable] things they have done here? They have filled the land with violence and ·made me continually angry [provoked me to still greater anger]. ·Look [Behold], they are ·insulting me every way they can [putting the branch to their nose; perhaps part of the worship of the sun god].


text:
So I will act ·in anger [with wrath]. I will have no pity, nor will I ·show mercy [spare them]. Even if they shout in my ears, I won’t listen to them.”


text:
Vision of the Angels Then he shouted with a loud voice in my ears, “You who are ·chosen [appointed] to ·punish [execute judgment on] this city, come near with your ·weapon [weapon of destruction] in your hand.”


text:
Then six men came from the direction of the upper gate, which faces north, each with his ·powerful weapon [war club] in his hand. Among them was a man dressed in linen with a writing case at his side. The men went in and stood by the bronze altar [].


text:
Then the glory of the God of Israel [his manifest presence] went up from above the ·creatures with wings [cherubim], where it had been, to the place in the ·Temple where the door opened [threshold of the house]. He called to the man dressed in linen who had the writing case at his side.


text:
The Lord said to the man, “Go through Jerusalem and put a mark on the foreheads of the people who groan and cry about all the ·hateful [detestable; abominable] things being done among them [; ; ; ; ].”


text:
As I listened, he said to the other men, “Go through the city behind the man dressed in linen and ·kill [strike]. Don’t [let your eye] pity anyone, and don’t ·show mercy [spare them].


text:
Kill and destroy old men, young men and ·women [virgins], little children, and older women, but don’t touch any who have the mark on them. Start at my ·Temple [sanctuary].” So they started with the ·elders [or old men] who were in front of the ·Temple [house].


text:
Then he said to the men, “·Make the Temple unclean [Defile the temple; ritually], and fill the courtyards with ·those who have been killed [the slain]. Go out!” So the men went out and killed the people in the city.


text:
While they were ·killing the people [striking them down], I was left alone. I bowed facedown on the ground and I cried out, “Oh, Lord God! Will you destroy ·everyone left alive in [the whole remnant of] Israel when you ·turn loose your anger [pour out your wrath] on Jerusalem?”


text:
Then he said to me, “The sin of the ·people [house] of Israel and Judah is very great. The land is filled with people who murder, and the city is full of ·people who are not fair [injustice; corruption]. The people say, ‘The Lord has ·left [abandoned; forsaken] the land, and the Lord does not see.’


text:
But ·I [my eye] will have no pity, nor will I ·show mercy [spare]. I will bring their ·evil [deeds; way] back on their heads.”


text:
Then the man dressed in linen with the writing case at his side reported, “I have done just as you commanded me.”


text:
The Coals of Fire Then I looked and ·saw [behold] in the ·dome [vault; expanse; or platform; ] above the heads of the ·living creatures [cherubim] something like a ·sapphire [or lapis lazuli] gem which looked like a throne.


text:
The Lord said to the man dressed in linen, “Go in between the wheels under the living creatures, fill your hands with ·coals of fire [burning coals] from between the ·living creatures [cherubim], and scatter the coals over the city.” As I watched, the man with linen clothes went in.


text:
Now the ·living creatures [cherubim] were standing on the south side of the ·Temple [house] when the man went in. And a cloud filled the inner courtyard.


text:
Then the glory of the Lord [his manifest presence] went up from the ·living creatures [cherubim] and stood over the ·door [threshold] of the ·Temple [house]. The ·Temple [house] was filled with the cloud [], and the courtyard was full of the brightness from the glory of the Lord.


text:
The sound of the wings of the ·living creatures [cherubim] was heard all the way to the outer courtyard. It was like the voice of God Almighty when he speaks.


text:
When the Lord commanded the man dressed in linen, “Take fire from between the wheels, from between the ·living creatures [cherubim],” the man went in and stood by a wheel.


text:
·One living creature [The cherub] put out his hand to the fire that was among them, took some of the fire, and put it in the hands of the man dressed in linen. Then the man took the fire and went out.


text:
The Wheels and the Creatures Something that looked like a human hand could be seen under the wings of the ·living creatures [cherubim].


text:
I ·saw [looked and saw/behold] the four wheels by the ·living creatures [cherubim], one wheel by each ·living creature [cherub]. The wheels looked like shining ·chrysolite [or topaz; or beryl].


text:
All four wheels looked alike: Each looked like a wheel ·crossways inside [in the middle of] another wheel.


text:
When the wheels moved, they went in any of the directions that the four ·living creatures [cherubim] faced. The wheels did not turn about, and the ·living creatures [cherubim] did not turn their bodies as they went.


text:
All their bodies, their backs, their hands, their wings, and the wheels were full of eyes all over. Each of the four living creatures had a wheel.


text:
Each ·living creature [one] had four faces. The first face was the face of a ·creature with wings [cherub]. The second face was a ·human [man’s] face, the third was the face of a lion, and the fourth was the face of an eagle.


text:
Then the ·living creatures [cherubim] ·flew [mounted; rose] up. They were the same living creatures I had seen by the Kebar ·River [Canal; ].


text:
When the ·living creatures [cherubim] moved, the wheels moved beside them. When the ·living creatures [cherubim] lifted their wings to fly up from the ground, the wheels did not leave their place beside them.


text:
When the ·living creatures [cherubim] stopped, the wheels stopped. When the creatures went up, the wheels went up also, because the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels.


text:
Then the glory of the Lord [his manifest presence] left the ·door [threshold] of the ·Temple [house] and stood over the ·living creatures [cherubim].


text:
·As I watched [Before my eyes], the ·living creatures [cherubim] spread their wings and flew up from the ·ground [earth], with the wheels beside them. They stood where the east gate of the ·Temple [house] of the Lord opened, and the glory of the God of Israel was over them.


text:
These were the living creatures I had seen under the God of Israel by the Kebar ·River [Canal; ]. I knew they were called cherubim.


text:
Each one had four faces and four wings, and under their wings were things that looked like human hands.


text:
Their faces looked the same as the ones I had seen by the Kebar ·River [Canal; ]. They each went straight ahead.


text:
Prophecies Against Evil Leaders ·The Spirit [or A spirit/or wind] lifted me up and brought me to the ·front [eastern] gate of the ·Temple [house] of the Lord, which faces east. ·I saw [And behold] twenty-five men at the entrance of the gate, among them Jaazaniah son of Azzur and Pelatiah son of Benaiah, who were ·leaders [princes; officials] of the people.


text:
Then the Lord said to me, “·Human [Son of man; ], these are the men who plan evil and give wicked advice in this city [Jerusalem].


text:
They say, ‘·It is almost time [or Isn’t it a good time…?; or The time is not near] for us to build houses [meaning either (1) let’s keep building, since no judgment is coming, or (2) we don’t need to build our own houses, since we can seize the houses of others ()]. This city is ·like a cooking pot [the cauldron], and we are ·like the best meat [the meat; the city will protect them; see for the same image used differently].’


text:
Then the ·Spirit [or spirit] of the Lord ·entered [fell upon] me and told me to say: “This is what the Lord says: You have said these things, ·people [house] of Israel, and I know ·what you are thinking [the steps of your spirits].


text:
“So this is what the Lord God says: Those people you have killed and left in the middle of the city are ·like the best meat [the meat], and this city is ·like the cooking pot [the cauldron]. But I will ·force [drive; take] you out of the city.


text:
I will ·force [drive; take] you out of the city and hand you over to ·strangers [foreigners] and ·punish [execute judgments upon] you.


text:
You will die by the sword. I will ·punish [judge] you at the border of Israel so you will know that I am the Lord.


text:
This city will not be ·your cooking pot [the cauldron], and you will not be ·the best meat [meat] in the middle of it. I will ·punish [judge] you at the border of Israel.


text:
Then you will know that I am the Lord. You did not live by my ·rules [statutes] or obey my ·laws [rules; judgments]. Instead, you ·did the same things as [obeyed the laws/rules/judgments of] the nations around you.”


text:
While I was prophesying, Pelatiah son of Benaiah died. Then I ·bowed [fell] facedown on the ground and ·shouted [cried out] with a loud voice, “·Oh no [Ah], Lord God! Will you completely destroy the ·Israelites who are left alive [remnant of Israel]?”


text:
“·Human [Son of man; ], the people still in Jerusalem have spoken about your ·own relatives [brothers, your kinsmen redeemers; ] and all the ·people [house] of Israel, saying, ‘They are far from the Lord. This land has been given to us as our ·property [possession].’


text:
“So say, ‘This is what the Lord God says: I sent the people far away among the nations and scattered them among the countries. But ·for a little while [or in a small measure] I have become a ·Temple [sanctuary] to them in the countries where they have gone.’


text:
“So say: ‘This is what the Lord God says: I will gather you from the nations and bring you together from the countries where you have been scattered. Then I will give you back the land of Israel.’


text:
“When they come to this land, they will remove all the ·evil idols [detestable things] and all the ·hateful images [abominations].


text:
I will give them ·a desire to respect me completely [a unified heart; one heart], and ·I will put inside them a new way of thinking [a new spirit]. I will take away their ·stubborn heart [heart of stone], and I will give them an ·obedient heart [or tender heart; heart of flesh].


text:
Then they will ·live by my rules [walk in my statutes/decrees] and obey my ·laws [rules; judgments] and keep them. They will be my people, and I will be their God.


text:
But those who ·want to serve [are devoted to; pursue] their ·evil statues [detestable things] and ·hateful idols [abominations], I will ·pay back for their evil ways [bring their way/path down upon their head], says the Lord God.”


text:
Ezekiel’s Vision Ends Then the ·living creatures [cherubim] lifted their wings with the wheels beside them, and the glory of the God of Israel [his manifest presence] was above them.


text:
The glory of the Lord went up from inside Jerusalem and stopped on the mountain on the east side of the city.


text:
·The Spirit [or A wind/or spirit] lifted me up and brought me to the ·captives [exiles] who had been taken from Judah to ·Babylonia [Chaldea]. This happened in a vision given by the ·Spirit [spirit] of God, and then the vision I had seen ·ended [went up from me].


text:
“·Human [Son of man; ], you are living among a ·people who refuse to obey [rebellious house]. They have eyes to see, but they do not see, and they have ears to hear, but they do not hear [; ], because they are a ·people who refuse to obey [rebellious house].


text:
“So, ·human [son of man; ], ·pack your things as if you will be taken away captive [make yourself bags of exile], and ·walk away like a captive [go into exile] in the daytime with the people watching. Move from your place to another with the people watching. Maybe they will understand, even though they are a ·people who refuse to obey [rebellious house].


text:
During the day when the people are watching, bring out ·the things you would pack as captive [your bags of exile]. At evening, with the people watching, leave your place like those ·who are taken away as captives from their country [going out as exiles].


text:
Lift them onto your shoulders with the people watching, and carry them out in the dark. Cover your face so you cannot see the ·ground [or land], because I have made you a sign to the ·people [house] of Israel.”


text:
I did these things as I was commanded. In the daytime I brought what I had packed as ·if I were being taken away captive [bags of exile]. Then in the evening I dug through the wall with my hands. I brought my things out in the dark and carried them on my shoulders as the people watched.


text:
“·Human [Son of man; ], didn’t [the house of] Israel, ·who refuses to obey [the rebellious house], ask you, ‘What are you doing?’


text:
“Say to them, ‘This is what the Lord God says: This ·message [oracle; burden] is about the ·king [prince; ruler; referring to King Zedekiah] in Jerusalem and all the ·people [house] of Israel who live there.’


text:
Say, ‘I am a sign to you.’ “The same things I have done will be done to the people in Jerusalem. They will be taken ·away from their country [into exile] as captives.


text:
The ·king [prince; ruler] among them will put his things on his shoulder in the dark and will leave. ·The people [They] will dig a hole through the wall to bring him out. He will cover his face so he cannot see the ·ground [land] with his eyes.


text:
But I will spread my net over him, and he will be caught in my ·trap [snare]. Then I will bring him to Babylon in the land of the ·Babylonians [Chaldeans]. He will not see that land, but he will die there.


text:
All who are around the king—his ·helpers [attendants] and all his ·army [troops]—I will scatter ·in every direction [to every wind], and I will ·chase them with a sword [draw/unsheathe a sword after them].


text:
“They will know that I am the Lord when I ·scatter [disperse] them among the nations and ·spread [scatter] them among the countries.


text:
But I will save a few of them from the sword and from ·hunger [famine] and ·disease [plague; pestilence]. Then they can tell about their ·hateful [detestable; abominable] actions among the nations where they go. Then they will know that I am the Lord.”


text:
“·Human [Son of man; ], tremble as you eat your ·food [bread], and shake with fear as you drink your water.


text:
Then say to the people of the land: ‘This is what the Lord God says about the ·people who live in [inhabitants of] Jerusalem in the land of Israel: They will eat their food with ·fear [anxiety] and drink their water in ·shock [dread; despair], because their land will be stripped bare because of the violence of the people who live in it.


text:
The ·cities [towns] where people live will become ruins, and the land will become ·empty [desolate; devastated]. Then you will know that I am the Lord.’”


text:
“·Human [Son of man; ], what is this ·saying [proverb] you have in the land of Israel: ‘The days ·go by [pass slowly; grow long] and every vision comes to nothing’?


text:
So say to them, ‘This is what the Lord God says: I will ·make them stop saying this [put an end to this proverb], and nobody in Israel will use this ·saying [proverb] anymore.’ But tell them, ‘The ·time is [days are] near when every vision will ·come true [be fulfilled].


text:
There will be no more false visions or ·pleasing prophecies [flattering omens/divinations] inside the ·nation [house] of Israel,


text:
but I, the Lord, will speak. What I say will be done, and it will not be delayed. You ·refuse to obey [are a rebellious house], but in your ·time [days] I will say the word and do it, says the Lord God.’”


text:
“·Human [Son of man; ], the ·people [house] of Israel are saying, ‘The vision that Ezekiel sees is for a time many ·years [days] from now. He is prophesying about times far away.’


text:
“So say to them: ‘The Lord God says this: None of my words will be delayed anymore. ·What I have said [The word I speak] will be done, says the Lord God.’”


text:
Ezekiel Speaks Against False Prophets The ·Lord spoke his word [word of the Lord came] to me, saying:


text:
“·Human [Son of man; ], prophesy against the prophets of Israel. Say to those who ·make up their own prophecies [prophesy from their hearts/imagination]: ‘Listen to the word of the Lord.


text:
This is what the Lord God says: ·How terrible it will be for [Woe to] the foolish prophets who follow their own ·ideas [spirit] and have ·not seen a vision from me [seen nothing]!


text:
You have not gone up into the ·broken places [breaches] or repaired the wall for the ·nation [house of] Israel [Israel is portrayed as a house or fortress in ruins]. So how can Israel ·hold back the enemy [stand firm] in the battle on the ·Lord’s day of judging [Day of the Lord]?


text:
·Your prophets [They] see false visions and ·prophesy [their divinations are] lies. They say, “This is the message of the Lord,” when the Lord has not sent them. But they still hope their words will ·come true [stand].


text:
You said, “This is the message of the Lord,” but ·you have seen false visions and your prophecies are lies [have you not seen a false vision and uttered a lying divination…?], because I have not spoken.


text:
“‘So this is what the Lord God says: Because you prophets spoke things that are false and saw ·visions that do not come true [lying visions], [look; behold] I am against you, says the Lord God.


text:
·I will punish [My hand will be against] the prophets who see false visions and ·prophesy lies [utter lying divinations]. They will ·have no place among [not be in the council of] my people. Their names will not be written on the ·list [records; registry] of the ·people [house] of Israel, and they will not enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the Lord God.


text:
“‘It is because they lead my people ·the wrong way [astray] by saying, “Peace!” when there is no peace. When the people build a ·weak [flimsy] wall, the prophets cover it with whitewash [to make it look strong or to cover its flaws].


text:
So tell those who cover ·a weak wall [it] with whitewash that it will fall down. ·Rain will pour down [There will be a deluge of rain], hailstones will fall, and a windstorm will break the wall down.


text:
“‘So this is what the Lord God says: I will break the wall with a windstorm. In my ·anger [wrath; rage] ·rain will pour down [there will be a deluge of rain], and hailstones will ·destroy the wall [fall with destructive fury].


text:
I will tear down the wall on which you put whitewash. I will level it to the ground so that ·people will see the wall’s foundation [its foundations will be laid bare/exposed]. And when the wall falls, you will ·be destroyed [perish] ·under [or within] it. Then you will know that I am the Lord.


text:
So I will ·carry out my anger [spend my wrath/rage] on the wall and against those who covered it with whitewash. Then I will tell you, “The wall is gone, and those who covered it with whitewash are gone.


text:
The prophets of Israel who prophesy ·to [or about] Jerusalem and who see visions of peace for the city, when there is no peace, will be gone, says the Lord God.”’


text:
False Women Prophets “Now, ·human [son of man; ], look toward the ·women among [daughters of] your people who ·make up their own prophecies [prophesy from their own hearts/imaginations]. Prophesy against them.


text:
Say, ‘This is what the Lord God says: ·How terrible it will be for [Woe to the] women who sew ·magic charms [bands] on their wrists and make ·veils [or headbands] of every length to trap people! You ·ruin [entrap; ensnare] the ·lives [souls] of my people but ·try to [will you…?] save your own ·lives [souls].


text:
For handfuls of barley and ·pieces [scraps] of bread, you have ·dishonored [profaned; ritually] me among my people. By lying to my people, who listen to lies, you have ·killed people [put to death souls] who should not die, and you have kept alive those who should not live.


text:
“‘So this is what the Lord God says: I am against your magic ·charms [bands], by which you ·trap [ensnare; hunt] ·people [souls] as if they were birds. I will tear ·those charms [them] off your arms, and I will free those ·people [souls] you have ·trapped [ensnare; hunt] like birds.


text:
I will also tear off your ·veils [or headbands] and save my people from your hands. They will no longer be ·trapped by your power [prey in your hand]. Then you will know that I am the Lord.


text:
By your lies you have ·caused those who did right to be sad [disheartened the righteous], when I did not ·make them sad [grieve them]. And you have encouraged the wicked not to ·stop being wicked [turn from their wicked ways], which would have saved their lives.


text:
So you will not see false visions or ·prophesy [practice divination] anymore, and I will save my people from your ·power [hands] so you will know that I am the Lord.’”


text:
“·Human [Son of man; ], these people ·want to worship idols [have set up idols in their hearts]. They put up ·evil things that cause people to sin [wicked stumbling blocks/obstacles before their faces]. Should I allow them to ·ask me for help [consult me]?


text:
So speak to them and tell them, ‘This is what the Lord God says: When any of the ·people [house] of Israel ·want to worship idols [sets up idols in their heart] and put up ·evil things that cause people to sin [wicked stumbling blocks/obstacles before their faces] and then ·come to the [consult a] prophet, I, the Lord, will answer them myself ·for worshiping idols [in accordance with the multitude of their idols].


text:
Then I will ·win back [take hold of/recapture the hearts of] my people Israel, who have left me because of all their idols.’


text:
“So say to the ·people [house] of Israel, ‘This is what the Lord God says: ·Change your hearts and lives [Repent], and ·stop worshiping [turn from your] idols. ·Stop doing [Turn your faces from] all ·the things I hate [your abominations/detestable practices].


text:
Any of the Israelites or foreigners in Israel can separate themselves from me by ·wanting to worship idols [setting up idols in their hearts] or by putting ·up things that cause people to sin [before their face a wicked stumbling block/obstacle]. Then if they come to the prophet to ·ask me questions [consult me], I, the Lord, will answer them myself.


text:
I will ·reject [set my face against] them. I will make them a sign and an ·example [proverb; byword], and I will ·separate them [cut them off] from my people. Then you will know that I am the Lord.


text:
“‘But if the prophet is ·tricked [deceived; or enticed] into giving a prophecy, it is because I, the Lord, have ·tricked [deceived; or enticed] that prophet to speak. Then I will ·use my power [stretch out my hand] against him and destroy him from among my people Israel.


text:
The prophet will be ·as guilty [or punished the same] as the one who asks him for help; both will ·be responsible [or bear the punishment] for their guilt.


text:
Then the ·nation [house] of Israel will ·not leave me anymore [no longer go astray] or ·make themselves unclean [defile themselves; ritually] anymore with all their sins. They will be my people, and I will be their God, says the Lord God.’”


text:
“·Human [Son of man; ], if ·the people of a country [a country/land] sin against me by not being ·loyal [faithful], I will ·use my power [stretch out my hand] against them. I will cut off their supply of ·food [bread] and send ·a time of hunger [famine], destroying both people and animals.


text:
Even if three great men like Noah, Daniel [either the prophet Daniel (who was still a young man at this time) or an ancient Canaanite hero known for his wisdom and justice], and Job were in that country, their ·goodness [righteousness] could save only themselves, says the Lord God.


text:
“Or I might send wild animals into that land, leaving the land ·empty [desolate] and ·without children [bereaved]. Then no one would pass through it because of the ·animals [beasts].


text:
As surely as I live, says the Lord God, even if ·Noah, Daniel, and Job [these three men; ] were in the land, they could not save their own sons or daughters. They could save only themselves, but that country would become ·empty [desolate].


text:
“Or I might bring a ·war [sword] against that ·country [land]. I might say, ‘Let a ·war be fought in [sword pass through] that land,’ in this way ·destroying [cutting off] its people and its animals.


text:
As surely as I live, says the Lord God, even if those three men were in the land, they could not save their sons or daughters. They could save only themselves.


text:
“Or I might cause a ·disease [plague; pestilence] to spread in that country. I might pour out my ·anger [rage/wrath with blood] against it, destroying and killing people and animals.


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As surely as I live, says the Lord God, even if Noah, Daniel [], and Job were in the land, they could not save their son or daughter. They could save only themselves ·because they did what was right [by their righteousness].


text:
“This is what the Lord God says: ·My plans for Jerusalem are much worse [How much more for Jerusalem]! I will send my four terrible punishments against it—·war [sword], ·hunger [famine], wild animals, and ·disease [pestilence; plague]—to destroy its people and animals.


text:
But [look; behold] some ·people will escape [survivors will be left]; some sons and daughters will be led out. They will come out to you, and you will see ·what happens to people who live as they did [their ways and deeds]. Then you will be ·comforted [consoled] after the disasters I have brought against Jerusalem, after all the things I have brought against it.


text:
·You will be comforted [They will console you] when you see ·what happens to them for living as they did [their ways and deeds], because you will know ·there was a good reason for [it was not without cause that I did] what I did to Jerusalem, says the Lord God.”


text:
Can wood be taken from the vine to make anything? Can you use it to make a peg on which to hang something?


text:
If the vine is thrown into the fire for fuel, and the fire burns up both ends and ·starts to burn [chars] the middle, is it useful for anything?


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[Look; Behold] When the vine was whole, it couldn’t be made into anything. When the fire has burned it completely, ·it certainly cannot [how much less can it] be made into anything.”


text:
So this is what the Lord God says: “Out of all the trees in the forest, I have given the wood of the vine as fuel for fire. In the same way I have given up the people who live in Jerusalem


text:
and will ·turn [set my face] against them. Although they came through one fire, fire will still ·destroy [consume] them. When I ·turn [set my face] against them, you will know that I am the Lord.


text:
So I will make the land ·empty [desolate], because the people have not been ·loyal [faithful], says the Lord God.”


text:
Say, ‘This is what the Lord God says to Jerusalem: Your ·beginnings [origin] and your ·ancestors [birth] were in the land of the Canaanites. Your father was an Amorite, and your mother was a Hittite.


text:
On the day you were born, your cord [umbilical cord] was not cut. You were not washed with water to clean you. You were not rubbed with salt or wrapped in ·cloths [swaddling cloths; , ; typical care for newborns in the ancient Near East].


text:
No ·one felt sorry enough for [eye took pity on] you to do any of these things for you. No, you were thrown out into the open field, because you were ·hated [detested; despised] on the day you were born.


text:
“‘When I passed by and saw you kicking about in your blood, I said to you ·as you lay in your blood [in your blood], “Live!”


text:
I made you ·grow [flourish] like a plant in the field. You grew up and ·became tall [or matured; developed] and ·became like a beautiful jewel [or entered puberty; reached womanhood]. Your breasts formed, and your hair grew, but you were naked and ·without clothes [bare; exposed].


text:
“‘Later when I passed by you and looked at you, ·I saw that [behold] you were old enough for love. So I spread ·my robe [the corner of my garment; ; ] over you and covered your nakedness. I also ·made a promise [swore; made a vow] to you and entered into an ·agreement [covenant; treaty; ] with you so that you became mine, says the Lord God.


text:
“‘Then I bathed you with water, washed all the blood off of you, and ·put oil on you [anointed you with oil/ointment].


text:
I put ·beautiful clothes made with needlework [embroidered clothing] on you and put sandals of fine leather on your feet. I wrapped you in fine linen and covered you with silk.


text:
So you ·wore [were adorned with] gold and silver. Your clothes were made of fine linen, silk, and ·beautiful needlework [embroidery]. You ate fine flour, honey, and olive oil. You were very beautiful and became ·a queen [royalty].


text:
Then ·you became famous [your fame spread] among the nations, because you were so beautiful. Your beauty was perfect, because of the ·glory [splendor] I gave you, says the Lord God.


text:
Jerusalem Becomes a Prostitute “‘But you trusted in your beauty. You used your fame to become a prostitute. You ·had sexual relations with [lavished sexual favors on] anyone who passed by.


text:
You took some of your clothes and made your ·places of worship [high places; ] ·colorful [decorated; gaudy]. There you carried on your prostitution. ·These things should not happen; they should never occur [or You went to him and became his; or How could such a thing ever have happened? the Hebrew here is obscure].


text:
You also took your beautiful jewelry, made from my gold and silver I had given you, and you made for yourselves male idols so you could be a prostitute with them [].


text:
Then you took your ·clothes with beautiful needlework [embroidered clothing] and covered the idols. You gave my oil and incense as an offering to them.


text:
Also, you took the ·bread [food] I gave you, the fine flour, oil, and honey I gave you to eat, and you offered them before the gods as a ·pleasing smell [fragrant incense]. This is what happened, says the Lord God.


text:
“‘But your ·sexual sins [acts of prostitution] were not enough for you. You also took your sons and daughters who ·were my children [you bore to me], and you sacrificed them to the idols as food.


text:
While you did all your ·hateful [detestable; abominable] acts and ·sexual sins [prostitution], you did not remember ·when you were young [the days of your youth], when you were naked and had no clothes and were ·left [kicking about] in your blood.


text:
“‘·How terrible [Woe]! ·How terrible it will be for you [Woe to you], says the Lord God. After you did all these evil things,


text:
you built yourself a ·place to worship gods [pagan shrine; or chamber; or mound]. You made for yourself a ·place of worship [lofty shrine; pavilion] in every city square.


text:
You built a place of worship at the ·beginning [head; corner] of every street. You made your beauty ·hateful [defiled; disgraced; detestable; an abomination], ·offering your body for sex [spreading your legs] to anyone who passed by, ·so your sexual sins became worse and worse [multiplying your promiscuity/prostitution].


text:
You also ·had sexual relations [engaged in prostitution] with the ·Egyptians [sons of Egypt], who were your ·neighbors and partners in sexual sin [or well-endowed neighbors; or lusty neighbors]. Your ·sexual sins [prostitution; promiscuity] became even worse, and ·they caused me to be angry [provoked me to anger].


text:
So then, [look; behold] I ·used my power [stretched out my hand] against you and ·took away some of your land [reduced your boundaries; or cut off your rations]. I ·let you be defeated by [delivered you to the greed/desire of] ·those who hate you [your enemies], the Philistine ·women [daughters], who were ashamed of your ·evil ways [obscene/lewd behavior; even the pagan Philistines were shocked at Israel’s outrageous sins].


text:
Also, you ·had sexual relations [engaged in prostitution] with the Assyrians, because you could not be satisfied. Even though you ·had sexual relations [prostituted yourself] with them, you still were not satisfied.


text:
You ·did many more sexual sins [multiplied your prostitution/promiscuity] in ·Babylonia [Chaldea], the land of ·traders [merchants], but even this did not satisfy you.


text:
“‘·Truly your will is weak [or How sick/feverish is your heart; or I am filled with anger against you], says the Lord God. You do all the things a ·stubborn [bold; brazen; shameless] prostitute does.


text:
You built your ·place to worship gods [pagan shrines; or chambers; or mounds] at the ·beginning [head; corner] of every street, and you made ·places of worship [lofty shrines; pavilions; ] in every city square. But you were not like a prostitute when you ·refused to accept [scorned; scoffed at] payment.


text:
Men ·pay [or give gifts to] prostitutes, but you ·pay all [give gifts to] your lovers, bribing them to come to you. And they come from all around for ·sexual relations [your prostitution].


text:
So you are ·different from [the opposite of] other prostitutes. No man ·asks [solicited] you to be a prostitute, and you pay money instead of having money paid to you. Yes, you are ·different [the opposite].


text:
This is what the Lord God says: You ·showed your nakedness [poured out your lust] and ·uncovered your body [exposed your nakedness] in your ·sexual sins [prostitution; promiscuity] with your lovers and with all your ·hateful [detestable; abominable] idols. You killed your children and offered their blood to your idols.


text:
So [look; behold] I will gather all your lovers with whom you found pleasure. Yes, I will gather all those you loved and those you hated. I will gather them against you from all around, and I will strip you naked in front of them so they can see your nakedness [an act of humiliation and shame; , ; ].


text:
I will punish you as women guilty of adultery or as ·murderers [those who shed blood] are punished. I will ·put you to death [bring blood upon you; or avenge your bloody deeds] because I am angry and jealous.


text:
I will also ·hand you over to your lovers [give you into their hands]. They will tear down your ·places of worship [pagan shrines; chambers; mounds] and destroy ·other places where you worship gods [your lofty shrines; or pavilions; ]. They will ·tear [strip] off your clothes and take away your beautiful jewelry, leaving you naked and bare.


text:
They will bring a crowd against you to throw stones at you and to cut you into pieces with their swords.


text:
They will burn down your houses and will ·punish you [execute judgments] in ·front [the sight of] of many women. I will put an end to your ·sexual sins [prostitution], and you will no longer ·pay [give gifts to] your lovers.


text:
Then I will ·rest from [exhaust; satisfy] my ·anger [wrath] against you, and ·I will stop being jealous [my jealousy will turn away from you]. I will be ·quiet [calm] and not angry anymore.


text:
“‘Because you didn’t remember ·when you were young [the days of your youth], but have ·made me angry [enraged me] in all these ways, I will ·repay you for what you have done [bring these ways upon your head], says the Lord God. Didn’t you add ·sexual sins [lewd acts; obscenities] to all your ·other acts which I hate [detestable practices; abominations]?


text:
“‘Everyone who uses ·wise sayings [proverbs] will say this about you: “·The daughter is like her mother [Like mother, like daughter].”


text:
You are ·like your mother [the daughter of your mother], who ·hated [detested; loathed] her husband and ·children [sons]. You are ·also like your sisters [the sister of your sisters], who ·hated [detested; loathed] their husbands and ·children [sons]. Your mother was a Hittite, and your father was an Amorite [].


text:
Your older sister is Samaria, who lived north of you with her daughters; your younger sister is Sodom, who lived south of you with her daughters [; Sodom is a symbol of evil in Scripture; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ].


text:
You not only ·followed [walked in] their ways and did the ·hateful [detestable; abominable] things they did, but you were ·soon worse [more corrupt/depraved] than they were in all your ways.


text:
As surely as I live, says the Lord God, your sister Sodom and her daughters never did what you and your daughters have done.


text:
“‘This was the ·sin [iniquity; guilt] of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were proud and had plenty of food and lived in ·great comfort [secure ease], but she did not ·help [strengthen the hand of] the poor and needy.


text:
So Sodom and her daughters were ·proud [haughty] and did ·things I hate [detestable/abominable things] in front of me. So I ·got rid of [removed] them when I saw what they did.


text:
Also, Samaria [the northern kingdom] did not do half the sins you do; you have done more ·hateful [detestable; abominable] things than they did. So you make your sisters ·look good [appear righteous] because of all the ·hateful [detestable; abominable] things you have done.


text:
You will ·suffer [bear your] disgrace, because you have ·provided an excuse [interceded with your sins] for your sisters. They ·are better [appear more righteous] than you are. Your sins were even more ·terrible [vile; abominable] than theirs. Feel ashamed and suffer disgrace, because you made your sisters ·look good [appear righteous].


text:
“‘But I will ·give back [restore] to Sodom and her daughters ·the good things they once had [their fortunes]. I will give back to Samaria and her daughters ·the good things they once had [their fortunes]. And with them I will also give back ·the good things you once had [your fortunes]


text:
so you may ·suffer [bear your] disgrace and feel ashamed for all the things you have done. You even gave comfort to your sisters in their sins.


text:
Your sisters, Sodom with her daughters and Samaria with her daughters, will return to ·what they were before [their former status]. You and your daughters will also return to ·what you were before [their former status].


text:
You ·humiliated [spoke contemptuously about; made a byword in your mouth] your sister Sodom ·when you were proud [in the day of your pride/majesty],


text:
before your ·evil [wickedness] was uncovered [exposed]. And now the Edomite ·women [daughters] and their neighbors ·humiliate [scorn] you. Even the Philistine women ·humiliate [scorn] you. Those around you ·hate [despise] you.


text:
·This is your punishment [You bear the penalty] for your ·terrible sins [lewdness] and for ·actions that I hate [your detestable practices/abominations], says the Lord.


text:
God Keeps His Promises “‘This is what the Lord God says: I will ·do to you what you have done [give you what you deserve]. You ·hated [despised] and broke the ·agreement [covenant; treaty] you ·promised [swore; made an oath] to keep.


text:
But I will remember my ·agreement [covenant; treaty] I made with you ·when you were young [in the days of your youth], and I will make an ·agreement [covenant; treaty] that will continue forever with you [].


text:
Then you will remember ·what you have done [your ways] and feel ashamed when you receive your sisters—both your older and your younger sisters. I will give them to you like daughters, but not because they share in my ·agreement [covenant; treaty] with you.


text:
I will ·set up my agreement [establish my covenant/treaty] with you, and you will know that I am the Lord.


text:
You will remember what you did and feel ashamed. You will not open your mouth again because of your shame, when I ·forgive [make atonement for] you for all the things you have done, says the Lord God.’”


text:
“·Human [Son of man; ], give a ·riddle [allegory] and tell a ·story [parable] to the ·people [house] of Israel.


text:
Say, ‘This is what the Lord God says: A ·giant [great; mighty] eagle with ·big [great] wings and long ·feathers [feathers and plumage] of many different colors [] came to Lebanon and took hold of the top of a cedar tree.


text:
He pulled off the top ·branch [shoot] and brought it to a land of ·traders [merchants; Babylon], where he planted it in a city of traders [the eagle symbolizes King Nebuchadnezzar; ].


text:
“‘The eagle took ·some seed [or a seedling] from the land and planted it in ·a good field [fertile soil] near plenty of water. He planted it to grow like a willow tree.


text:
It sprouted and became a low vine that spread over the ground. The branches turned toward the eagle, but the roots were under ·the eagle [or itself; it]. So the seed became a vine, and its ·branches [shoots] grew, sending out ·leaves [or branches; boughs].


text:
“‘But there was another ·giant [great; mighty] eagle with ·big [great] wings and ·many feathers [full plumage]. The vine then ·bent [sent] its roots toward this eagle. It ·sent [stretched; shot] out its branches from the ·area [bed; plot] where it was planted toward the eagle ·so he could water it [to get water].


text:
It had been planted in ·a good field [good soil] by plenty of water so it could grow branches and bear fruit. It could have become a ·fine [beautiful; splendid] vine.’


text:
“Say to them, ‘This is what the Lord God says: ·The vine will not continue to grow [Will it thrive/prosper?]. ·The first eagle will [Will he not…?] pull up the vine’s roots and strip off its fruit. Then the vine and all its new leaves will ·dry up and die [wither]. It will not take a strong arm or many people to pull the vine up by its roots.


text:
[Look; Behold] Even if it is planted again, ·it will not [will it…?] ·continue to grow [thrive]. ·It will [Will it not…?] completely ·dry up and die [wither] when the east wind hits it. ·It will [or Will it not…?] ·dry up and die [wither] in the ·area [bed; plot] where it ·grew [sprouted].’”


text:
Zedekiah Against Nebuchadnezzar Then the ·Lord spoke his word [word of the Lord came] to me, saying:


text:
“Say now to the ·people who refuse to obey [rebellious house]: ‘Don’t you know what these things mean?’ Say: ‘[Look; Behold] The king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and took the king [Jehoiachin; ] and ·important men [nobles; officials] of Jerusalem and brought them to Babylon.


text:
Then he took ·a member of the family of the king of Judah [from the royal offspring/seed; Zedekiah, Jehoiachin’s uncle; ] and made an ·agreement [covenant; treaty] with him, ·forcing him to take an [putting him under] oath. The king also took away the leaders of ·Judah [the land]


text:
to ·make the kingdom weak [humble/bring low the kingdom] so it would not ·be strong [rise; exalt itself] again. Then the kingdom of Judah ·could continue only [would stand] by keeping its ·agreement [covenant; treaty] with the king of Babylon.


text:
But ·the king of Judah [he; referring to Zedekiah; ] ·turned [rebelled] against the king of Babylon by sending his ·messengers [emissaries] to Egypt and asking them for horses and many soldiers []. Will ·the king of Judah succeed [he prosper/succeed]? Will the one who does such things escape? ·He cannot [Can he…?] break the ·agreement [covenant; treaty] and escape.


text:
“‘As surely as I live, says the Lord God, he will die in Babylon, in the land of the king who made him king of Judah. The king of Judah ·hated [despised] his ·promise [oath] to the king of Babylon and broke his ·agreement [covenant; treaty] with him.


text:
·The king of Egypt [Pharaoh] with his mighty army and ·many people [vast horde] will not help ·the king of Judah [him] in the war. The Babylonians will build ·devices [ramps and siege walls] to attack the cities and to ·kill [destroy; cut off] many people.


text:
The king of Judah showed that he ·hated [despised] the ·promise [oath] by breaking the ·agreement [covenant; treaty]. He ·promised to support Babylon [gave his hand (in pledge)], but he did all these things. So he will not escape.


text:
“‘So this is what the Lord God says: As surely as I live, I will ·pay back the king of Judah [bring down on his head] for ·hating [despising] my ·promise [oath] and breaking my ·agreement [covenant; treaty].


text:
I will spread my net over him, and he will be caught in my ·trap [snare]. Then I will bring him to Babylon, where I will ·punish [execute judgment on] him for the ·unfaithful acts [treachery] he did against me.


text:
All the ·best [choice men] of his soldiers will die by the sword, and those who live will be scattered to every wind. Then you will know that I, the Lord, have spoken.


text:
“‘This is what the Lord God says: I myself will also take a ·young branch [shoot; sprig] from the top of a tall cedar tree, and I will plant it. I will cut off a ·small [tender] twig from the top of the tree’s young branches, and I will plant it on a ·very high [high and lofty] mountain.


text:
I will plant it on the ·high mountain [mountain heights] of Israel. Then it will grow branches and give fruit and become a ·great [beautiful; majestic] cedar tree. Birds of every kind will build nests in it and live in the ·shelter [shade] of the tree’s branches.


text:
Then all the trees in the ·countryside [field] will know that I am the Lord. I bring down the high tree and make the low tree tall. I ·dry up [wither] the green tree and make the dry tree ·grow [thrive; flourish]. I am the Lord. I have spoken, and I will do it.’”


text:
“What do you mean by ·using [quoting; repeating] this ·saying [proverb] about the land of Israel: ‘The ·parents [fathers] have eaten sour grapes, and ·that caused the children to grind their teeth from the sour taste [the children’s teeth are set on edge; the children suffer for their parents’ sins; ]’?


text:
Every ·living thing [soul] belongs to me. The ·life [soul] of the ·parent [father] is mine, and the ·life [soul] of the child is mine. The ·person [soul] who sins is the one who will die.


text:
He does not eat ·at the mountain places of worship [upon the mountains; at pagan worship sites]. He does not ·look for help [lift his eyes] to the idols of [the house of] Israel. He does not ·have sexual relations with [defile] his neighbor’s wife or ·with [come near; a euphemism for sexual relations] a woman during her time of ·monthly bleeding [impurity; ].


text:
He does not ·mistreat [oppress] anyone but returns what was given ·as a promise for a loan [in pledge; as collateral]. He does not rob other people. He gives bread to the hungry and ·clothes to those who have none [covers the naked with clothing].


text:
He does not lend money for interest or profit [; ]. He keeps his hand from doing wrong. He ·judges fairly [practices true justice] between one person and another.


text:
He ·lives by [walks in] my ·rules [statutes; ordinances; requirements] and obeys my ·laws [judgments] faithfully. Whoever does these things is ·good [righteous] and will surely live, says the Lord God.


text:
“But suppose this person ·has [bears; begets] a ·wild [violent] son who ·murders people [sheds blood] and who does any of these other things.


text:
(But the father himself has not done any of these things.) This son eats ·at the mountain places of worship [upon the mountains; ]. He ·has sexual relations with [defiles] his neighbor’s wife.


text:
He ·mistreats [oppresses] the poor and needy. He steals and refuses to return what was ·promised for a loan [given in pledge/as collateral; ]. He ·looks for help [lifts up his eyes] to idols. He does ·things which I hate [detestable/abominable things].


text:
He lends money for interest and profit []. Will this son live? No, he will not live! He has done all these ·hateful [detestable; abominable] things, so he will surely be put to death. ·He will be responsible for his own death [His blood will be upon himself].


text:
“Now suppose this son has a son who has seen all his father’s sins, but after seeing them does not do those things.


text:
He does not eat ·at the mountain places of worship [upon the mountains; ]. He does not ·look for help [lift his eyes] to the idols of [the house of] Israel. He does not ·have sexual relations with [defile] his neighbor’s wife [].


text:
He does not ·mistreat [oppress] anyone or keep something promised ·for a loan [in pledge; as collateral] or steal. He gives bread to the hungry and ·clothes to those who have none [covers the naked with clothing; ].


text:
He keeps his hand from doing wrong. He does not take interest or profit when he lends money []. He obeys my ·laws [rules; judgments] and ·lives by [walks in] my ·rules [statutes]. He will not die for his father’s sin; he will surely live.


text:
But his father ·took other people’s money unfairly [practiced extortion/fraud] and robbed his ·brother [or countryman] and did what was wrong among his people. So he will die for his own sin.


text:
“But you ask, ‘Why is the son not punished for the father’s ·sin [iniquity; guilt]?’ The son has done what is ·fair [just] and right. He obeys all my ·rules [statutes; ordinances; requirements], so he will surely live.


text:
The person who sins is the one who will die. A ·child [son] will not be punished for a ·parent’s [father’s] ·sin [iniquity; guilt], and a ·parent [father] will not be punished for a ·child’s [son’s] ·sin [iniquity; guilt]. ·Those who do right [The righteous] will enjoy the results of their ·own goodness [righteousness]; ·evil people [the wicked] will suffer the results of their ·own evil [wickedness].


text:
“But suppose the wicked ·stop doing all [turn away from] the sins they have done and obey all my ·rules [statutes; ordinances; requirements] and do what is ·fair [just] and right. Then they will surely live; they will not die.


text:
None of their ·sins [transgressions] will be ·held [remembered] against them. Because they have done what is ·right [righteous], they will live.


text:
·I do not really want the wicked to die [Do I take pleasure in the death of the wicked…?], says the Lord God. ·I [Do I not…?] want them to ·stop [turn from] their ·bad ways [ways] and live.


text:
“But suppose ·good people [the righteous] ·stop doing good [turn from righteousness] and do wrong and do the same ·hateful [detestable; abominable] things the wicked do. Will they live? All their ·good [righteous] acts will ·be forgotten [not be remembered], because they became unfaithful. They have sinned, so they will die because of their sins.


text:
“But you say, ‘·What the Lord does [The way of the Lord] isn’t ·fair [just].’ Listen, ·people [house] of Israel. ·I am fair [Is my way unjust?]. It is what you do that is not ·fair [just]!


text:
When ·good people [the righteous] ·stop [turn from] doing good and do wrong, they will die because of it. They will die, because they did wrong.


text:
When the wicked ·stop being wicked [turn from wickedness] and do what is ·fair [just] and right, they will save their ·lives [souls].


text:
Because they thought about it and ·stopped [turned from] doing all the sins they had done, they will surely live; they will not die.


text:
But the ·people [house] of Israel still say, ‘·What the Lord does [The way of the Lord] isn’t ·fair [just].’ ·People [House] of Israel. ·I am fair [Is my way unjust?]. It is what you do that is not ·fair [just].


text:
“So I will judge you, ·people [house] of Israel; I will judge each of you ·by what you do [according to your ways], says the Lord God. ·Change your hearts [Repent] and ·stop all [turn from] your ·sinning [transgressions] so sin will not ·bring your ruin [be your downfall/stumbling block].


text:
·Get rid of [Throw away] all the ·sins [transgressions; offenses] you have done, and ·get [make] for yourselves a new heart and a new ·way of thinking [spirit]. Why ·do you want to [should you] die, ·people [house] of Israel?


text:
I ·do not want anyone to die [take no pleasure/delight in anyone’s death], says the Lord God, so ·change your hearts and lives so you may [repent and] live.


text:
Say: ‘Your mother was a lioness [referring either to the Davidic dynasty or to Hamutal, the wife of Josiah and mother of Jehoahaz and Zedekiah; ; ]. She lay down among the young lions [the kings of Judah]. She ·had many [reared her] cubs.


text:
When she ·brought up [reared] one of her cubs, he became a ·strong [young] lion [King Jehoahaz; ; ]. He learned to tear ·the animals he hunted [prey], and he ·ate [devoured] people.


text:
The nations heard about him. He was trapped in their pit, and they brought him with hooks to the land of Egypt.


text:
“‘The mother lion waited and saw that there was no hope for her cub. So she took another one of her cubs and made him a ·strong [young] lion [either Jehoiachin () or Zedekiah ()].


text:
This cub ·roamed [prowled] among the lions. He was now a ·strong [young] lion. He learned to tear ·the animals he hunted [prey], and he ·ate [devoured] people.


text:
He tore down their ·strong places [strongholds; fortresses] and ·destroyed [devastated] their cities. The land and everything in it were terrified by the sound of his roar.


text:
Then the nations came against him from areas all around, and they spread their net over him. He was trapped in their pit.


text:
Then they put him into a ·cage with chains [collar] and brought him to the king of Babylon. They put him into prison so his ·roar [voice] could not be heard again on the mountains of Israel [; ].


text:
“‘Your mother was like a vine in your vineyard, planted beside the water. The vine had many branches and gave much fruit, because there was plenty of water.


text:
The vine had strong ·branches [boughs], good enough for a king’s scepter. The vine became tall among the thick branches. And it ·was seen [stood out], because it was tall with many branches.


text:
But it was pulled up by its roots in anger and thrown down to the ground. The east wind dried it up. Its fruit was ·torn [stripped] off. Its strong branches were broken off and burned up.


text:
Fire spread from the vine’s main branch, ·destroying [consuming] its fruit. There is not a strong branch left on it ·that could become a [no] scepter for a king.’ This is a ·funeral song [lament]; it ·is to be used as [or has become] a funeral song.”


text:
Israel Has Refused God It was the seventh year [since Jehoiachin’s exile ()], in the fifth month, on the tenth day of the month [August 14, 591 bc]. Some of the elders of Israel came to ask about the Lord and sat down in front of me.


text:
“·Human [Son of man; ], speak to the elders of Israel and say to them: ‘This is what the Lord God says: Did you come to ·ask me questions [inquire of/consult me]? As surely as I live, I will not let you ·ask me questions [inquire of/consult me].’


text:
“Will you judge them? Will you judge them, ·human [son of man; ]? Let them know the ·hateful [detestable; abominable] things their ·ancestors [fathers] did.


text:
Say to them: ‘This is what the Lord God says: ·When [On the day when] I chose Israel, I ·made a promise [lifted my hand] to the ·descendants [offspring; seed] of Jacob. I made myself known to them in the land of Egypt, and I ·promised them [lifted my hand to them, saying], “I am the Lord your God.”


text:
·At that time [On that day] I ·promised them I would [lifted my hand to them to] bring them out of Egypt into a land I had ·found [searched out] for them, a ·fertile land [land flowing with milk and honey; ], the ·best [most beautiful] land in the world.


text:
I said to them, “Each one of you must throw away the ·hateful idols [detestable/abominable things] you have ·seen and liked [set your eyes on]. Don’t ·make yourselves unclean [defile yourselves] with the idols of Egypt. I am the Lord your God.”


text:
“‘But they ·turned [rebelled] against me and refused to listen to me. They did not throw away the ·hateful idols [detestable/abominable things] which they ·saw and liked [set your eyes on]; they did not give up the idols of Egypt. Then I decided to pour out my anger against them while they were still in Egypt.


text:
But I acted for the sake of my name so it would not be ·dishonored [profaned; ritually] in ·full view [the eyes] of the nations where the Israelites lived. I made myself known to ·the Israelites [them] by bringing them out of Egypt ·while the nations were watching [before their eyes].


text:
I gave them my ·rules [statutes; ordinances; requirements] and told them about my ·laws [judgments], by which people will live if they ·obey [do; practice] them.


text:
I also gave them my Sabbaths [; ] to be a sign [] between us so they would know that I am the Lord who ·made them holy [sanctified them; set them apart].


text:
“‘But in the ·desert [wilderness] ·Israel [the house of Israel] ·turned [rebelled] against me. They did not follow my ·rules [statutes], and they rejected my ·laws [rules; judgments], by which people will live if they obey them. They ·dishonored [desecrated; profaned; ritually] my Sabbaths. Then I decided to pour out my ·anger [wrath] against them and destroy them in the ·desert [wilderness].


text:
But I acted for the sake of my name so it would not be ·dishonored [profaned; ritually] in ·full view [the eyes] of the nations ·who watched as [before whose eyes] I had brought the Israelites out of Egypt.


text:
And in the ·desert [wilderness] I ·swore [lifted my hand] to the Israelites that I would not bring them into the land I had given them. It is a ·fertile land [land flowing with milk and honey; ], the ·best [most beautiful] land in the world.


text:
This was because they rejected my ·laws [judgments] and did not ·follow [walk in] my ·rules [statutes; ordinances; requirements]. They ·dishonored [desecrated; profaned; ritually] my Sabbaths and ·wanted to worship [their hearts went after] their idols.


text:
But I ·had pity on [or spared] them. I did not destroy them or put an end to them in the ·desert [wilderness].


text:
I said to their children in the ·desert [wilderness], “Don’t ·live by [walk in] the ·rules [statutes; ordinances; requirements] of your ·parents [fathers], or obey their ·laws [judgments]. Don’t ·make yourselves unclean [defile yourselves] with their idols.


text:
I am the Lord your God. ·Live by [Walk in] my ·rules [statutes; ordinances; requirements], obey my ·laws [judgments], and follow them.


text:
Keep my Sabbaths holy, and they will be a sign between me and you []. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God.”


text:
“‘But the children turned against me. They did not ·live by [walk in] my ·rules [statutes; ordinances; requirements], nor were they careful to obey my ·laws [judgments], by which people will live if they obey them. They ·dishonored [desecrated; profaned; ritually] my Sabbaths. So I decided to pour out my anger and ·rage [vent/exhaust my rage] against them in the ·desert [wilderness].


text:
But I ·held back my anger [withdrew my hand]. I acted for the sake of my name so it would not be ·dishonored [profaned; ritually] in ·full view [the eyes] of the nations ·who watched as [before whose eyes] I brought the Israelites out.


text:
And in the ·desert [wilderness] I swore to the Israelites that I would scatter them among the nations and spread them among the ·countries [lands],


text:
because they had not obeyed my ·laws [judgments]. They had rejected my ·rules [statutes; ordinances; requirements] and ·dishonored [profaned; ritually] my Sabbaths and ·worshiped [set their eyes on] the idols of their ·parents [fathers].


text:
I also allowed them to follow ·rules [statutes] that were not good and ·laws [judgments] by which they could not live.


text:
I ·let the Israelites make themselves unclean [defiled them; ritually] by the gifts they brought to their gods when they sacrificed their first children in the fire []. I wanted to ·terrify [or devastate] them so they would know that I am the Lord.’


text:
“So, ·human [son of man; ], speak to the ·people [house] of Israel. Say to them, ‘This is what the Lord God says: Your ·ancestors [fathers] ·spoke against [blasphemed] me by being unfaithful to me in another way.


text:
When I had brought them into the land I ·promised [lifted my hand] to give them, they saw every high hill and every leafy tree. There they offered their sacrifices to gods. They brought offerings that ·made me angry [provoked my anger] and burned their incense and poured out their drink offerings.


text:
Then I said to them: What is this high place where you go to worship?’” (It is still called ·High Place [Bamah] today.)


text:
“So say to the ·people [house] of Israel: ‘This is what the Lord God says: Are you going to ·make yourselves unclean [defile yourselves; ritually] as your ·ancestors [fathers] did? Are you going to ·be unfaithful and desire [prostitute yourselves with] their ·hateful idols [detestable/abominable things]?


text:
When you offer your children as gifts and sacrifice them in the fire, you ·are making yourselves unclean [defile yourselves; ritually] with all your idols even today. So, ·people [house] of Israel, should I let you ·ask me questions [consult with me]? As surely as I live, says the Lord God, I will not ·accept questions from you [let you seek/inquire of me].


text:
“‘What you ·want [or plan] will not come true. You say, “We want to be like the other nations, like the ·people [clans; families] in other lands. We want to worship ·idols made of wood and stone [wood and stone].”


text:
As surely as I live, says the Lord God, ·I will use my great power and strength and anger to [with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm I will; ; ] ·rule [be king] over you.


text:
I will bring you out from the foreign nations. With ·my great power and strength [a mighty hand and an outstretched arm] and anger I will gather you from the lands where you are scattered.


text:
I will bring you into the ·desert [wilderness] of the ·peoples [nations]. There I will judge you face to face.


text:
I will judge you the same way I judged your ·ancestors [fathers] in the ·desert [wilderness] of the land of Egypt, says the Lord God.


text:
I will ·count you like sheep [make you pass under the rod/shepherd’s staff; ] and will bring you into ·line with [the bond of] my ·agreement [covenant; treaty].


text:
I will ·get rid of [purge out] those who ·refuse to obey me [revolt] and ·who turn [rebel] against me. I will bring them out of the land where they are now living, but they will never enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the Lord.


text:
“‘This is what the Lord God says: ·People [House] of Israel, go serve your idols for now. ·But later you will [or …if you will not] listen to me; you will not continue to ·dishonor [profane; ritually] my holy name with your gifts and ·gods [idols].


text:
[For] On my holy mountain [Mount Zion; ; ; ], the high mountain of Israel, all [the house of] Israel will serve me in the land, says the Lord God. There I will accept you. There I will ·expect [require] your ·offerings [contributions], ·the first harvest of your offerings [or your choicest gifts], and all your holy gifts.


text:
I will accept you like ·the pleasing smell of sacrifices [a pleasing aroma; a fragrant incense; ] when I bring you out from the nations and gather you from the lands where you are scattered. Then through you I will ·show how holy I am [manifest/display my holiness] ·so the nations will see [in the eyes/sight of the nations].


text:
When I bring you into the land of Israel, the land I ·promised [swore to] your ancestors, you will know that I am the Lord.


text:
There you will remember ·everything you did [your ways and deeds] that ·made you unclean [defiled you; ritually], and then you will ·hate [despise; loathe] yourselves for all the evil things you have done.


text:
I will deal with you for the sake of my name, not because of your evil ways or ·unclean [corrupt] actions. Then you will know I am the Lord, ·people [house] of Israel, says the Lord God.’”


text:
“·Human [Son of man; ], ·look [set your face] toward the south. Prophesy against the south and against the ·forest [or shrubland] of the ·southern area [Negev].


text:
Say to that ·forest [or shrubland]: ‘Hear the word of the Lord. This is what the Lord God says: I am ready to start a fire in you that will destroy all your green trees and all your dry trees. The flames that burn will not be put out. Every face from south to north will ·feel their heat [or be scorched by it].


text:
Then all ·the people [flesh] will see that I, the Lord, have ·started the fire [kindled it]. It will not be ·put out [extinguished].’”


text:
Then I said, “Ah, Lord God! The people are saying about me, ‘·He is only [Isn’t he just…?] telling ·stories [parables].’”


text:
“·Human [Son of man; ], ·look [set your face] toward Jerusalem and speak against the ·holy place [sanctuary]. Prophesy against the land of Israel.


text:
Say to Israel: ‘This is what the Lord says: [Look; Behold] I am against you. I will pull my sword out of its ·holder [sheath], and I will cut off from you both the wicked and ·those who do right [the righteous].


text:
Because I am going to cut off the wicked and ·those who do right [the righteous], my sword will ·come out from its holder [be unsheathed] and attack all ·people [flesh] from south to north.


text:
Then all people will know that I, the Lord, have pulled my sword out from its ·holder [sheath]. My sword will not go back in again.’


text:
“So, ·human [son of man; ], groan with breaking heart and ·great sadness [bitter grief]. Groan ·in front of the people [before their eyes].


text:
When they ask you, ‘Why are you groaning?’ you will say, ‘Because of what I have heard is going to happen. When it happens, every heart will melt with fear, and all hands will become ·weak [limp; feeble]. ·Everyone [Every spirit] will ·be afraid [faint]; all knees will ·become weak as water [or be wet with urine]. ·Look [Behold], it is coming, and it will happen, says the Lord God.’”


text:
“·Human [Son of man; ], prophesy and say, ‘This is what the Lord says: A sword, a sword, sharpened and polished.


text:
It is sharpened for the ·killing [slaughter]. It is polished to flash like lightning. “‘·You are not happy [or Should you rejoice…?] ·about this horrible punishment by the sword [in the scepter of my son]. ·But my son Judah, you did not change when you were only beaten with a rod [The sword despises every stick].


text:
The sword ·should [is appointed to] be polished. It is meant to be ·held [grasped] in the hand. It is sharpened and polished, ready for the hand of a ·killer [slayer].


text:
Shout and ·yell [wail], ·human [son of man; ], because the sword is meant for my people, for all the ·rulers [princes] of Israel. They ·will be killed by [are thrown to] the sword, along with my people. So beat your chest [a sign of grief or sadness].


text:
“‘The test will come. ·And [What if…?] the scepter [symbolizing Judah; ], who is hated by the sword [representing the armies of Babylon], will not last, says the Lord God.’


text:
“So, ·human [son of man; ], prophesy and ·clap [strike together] your hands [a sign of scorn]. Let the sword strike two or three times. It is a sword meant for ·killing [slaughter], a sword meant for ·much killing [great slaughter]. This sword ·surrounds [or closes in on] ·the people to be killed [them].


text:
Their hearts will ·melt with fear [melt], and many people will ·die [stumble; fall]. I have placed the ·killing sword [sword for slaughter] at all their city gates. Oh! The sword is made to flash like lightning. It is ·held [drawn], ready for killing.


text:
Sword, ·cut [slash; cut sharp] on the right side; then ·cut on [swing; put to] the left side. Cut anywhere your ·blade [or face] is turned.


text:
I will also clap my hands [; a sign of scorn] and ·use up [satisfy; exhaust] my ·anger [wrath]. I, the Lord, have spoken.”


text:
“·Human [Son of man; ], mark two roads that the king of Babylon and his sword can follow. Both of these roads will start from the same country. And make signs where the road divides and one way goes toward the city.


text:
Mark one sign to show the road ·he can take with his sword [for the sword to come] to Rabbah in the land of the Ammonites. Mark the other sign to show the road to Judah and Jerusalem, which is protected with strong walls [moving south from Syria, the roads branch east and west of the Jordan River].


text:
The king of Babylon has come to where the road divides, and he is using ·magic [divination]. He ·throws lots with [shakes] arrows and ·asks questions of his family idols [consults the teraphim]. He looks at the ·liver of a sacrificed animal [liver; methods of divination, used here to determine which road to take].


text:
The lot in his right hand tells him to go to Jerusalem. It tells him to use ·logs to break down the city gates [battering rams], to shout the battle cry and give the ·order to kill [command for slaughter], and to build ·a dirt road to the top of the walls [siege ramps] and ·devices to attack the walls [siege walls].


text:
The people of Jerusalem will think this ·prediction is wrong [is a false omen/divination] because of their ·agreement with Babylon [or treaty with other nations; or covenant with God; sworn oaths/allegiance] But ·the king of Babylon will remind them of their rebellion [or the siege will remind them of their guilt] and they will be captured.


text:
“So this is what the Lord God says: ‘You have ·shown how sinful you are [caused your guilt to be remembered] by ·turning against the Lord [uncovering your trangressions]. Your sins are ·seen [revealed] in all the things you do. Because of this proof against you, you will be taken captive by the enemy.


text:
“‘You ·unclean [profane; ritually] and evil ·leader [prince] of Israel, ·you will be killed [whose day has come]! The time of your final punishment has come.


text:
This is what the Lord God says: Take off the royal turban, and remove the crown. Things will change. ·Those who are unimportant now will be made important [The lowly will be exalted], and ·those who are important now will be made unimportant [the exalted will be made lowly].


text:
A ruin! A ruin! I will make it a ruin! ·This place will not be rebuilt [or The kingdom will not be restored] until the one comes ·who has a right to be king [to whom judgment belongs; ]. Then I will give ·him that right [it to him].’


text:
The Punishment of Ammon “And you, ·human [son of man; ], prophesy and say: ‘This is what the Lord God says about the people of Ammon and their ·insults [mockery; or humiliation]: A sword, a sword is ·pulled out of its holder [drawn] ·to kill [for slaughter]. It is polished to ·destroy [consume], to flash like lightning!


text:
·Prophets [They] see false visions about you and ·prophesy lies [false divinations] about you. The sword will be put on the necks of these ·unclean [profane; ritually] and ·evil [wicked] people. Their ·day of judging [day] has come; the time of final punishment has come.


text:
Put the sword back in its ·holder [sheath]. I will judge you in the place where you were created, in the land where you were born.


text:
I will pour out my anger against you and ·blast you with [breathe/blow out] the fire of my anger. I will hand you over to ·cruel [brutal] men, experts in destruction.


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You will be fuel for the fire; ·you will die in [your blood will be in the midst of] the land. You will not be remembered, because I, the Lord, have spoken.’”


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“And you, ·human [son of man; ], will you judge? Will you judge the city of ·murderers [bloodshed; Jerusalem]? Then tell her about all her ·hateful [detestable; abominable] acts.


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You are to say: ‘This is what the Lord God says: You are a city that ·kills those who come to live there [sheds blood in her midst]. You ·make yourself unclean [defile yourself; ritually] by making idols.


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You have become guilty of ·murder [bloodshed] and have become ·unclean [defiled] by your idols which you have made. So you have brought your ·time of punishment [days] near; you have come to the end of your years. That is why I have made you a ·shame [object of scorn] to the nations and ·why all lands laugh at you [a mockery/laughingstock to all lands].


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Those near and those far away ·laugh at [mock] you with your ·bad [defiled] name, you city full of ·confusion [turmoil].


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“‘See how each ·ruler [prince; leader] of Israel in you [Jerusalem; ] has been trying to ·kill people [shed blood].


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The people in you ·hate [treat with contempt] their fathers and mothers. They ·mistreat [oppress] the foreigners in you and wrong the ·orphans [fatherless] and widows in you.


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The ·lying [slanderous] men in you ·cause the death of others [shed blood]. The people in you eat ·food offered to idols at the mountain places of worship [on the mountains], and they take part in ·sexual sins [lewd/obscene acts among you].


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The men in you ·have sexual relations with their fathers’ wives [uncover their father’s nakedness] and ·with [violate] women who are unclean [ritually], during their time of ·monthly bleeding [impurity].


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One man in you does a ·hateful [detestable; abominable] act with his neighbor’s wife, while another has shamefully ·made his daughter-in-law unclean sexually [defiled his daughter-in-law; ritually]. And another ·forces his half sister to have sexual relations [violates his father’s daughter] with him [all forbidden in the Law; , , ].


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The people in you take ·money [bribes] to ·kill others [shed blood; ]. You take ·interest [usury; , ; ] and profits and make profits by ·mistreating [extorting] your neighbor. And you have forgotten me, says the Lord God.


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“‘·So, Jerusalem, [Look; Behold] I will ·shake my fist [strike my hand] at you for ·stealing money [your dishonest gain] and for ·murdering people [bloodshed].


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Will ·you still be brave [your heart stand] and ·strong [your hands be strong] when I ·punish [deal with] you? I, the Lord, have spoken, and I will act.


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I will scatter you among the nations and spread you through the countries. ·That is how I will get rid of [I will remove] your uncleanness [ritually].


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But you, yourself, will be ·dishonored [defiled; profaned; ritually] in the ·sight [eyes] of the nations. Then you will know that I am the Lord.’”


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“·Human [Son of man; ], the ·people [house] of Israel have become ·scum [dross; useless] to me. They are like the ·copper [or bronze], tin, iron, and lead left in the furnace when silver is purified.


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So this is what the Lord God says: ‘Because you have become ·scum [dross], I am going to bring you together inside Jerusalem.


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Just as people put silver, ·copper [or bronze], iron, lead, and tin together inside a furnace to melt them down in a blazing fire, so I will gather you in my hot anger and put you together in Jerusalem and melt you down.


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I will ·put [gather] you together and ·make you feel [blow on you with] the ·heat [fire] of my ·anger [fury; wrath]. You will be melted down ·inside Jerusalem [in the midst of it].


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As silver is melted in a furnace, you will be melted inside ·the city [it]. Then you will know that I, the Lord, have poured out my ·anger [wrath] on you.’”


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“·Human [Son of man; ], say to the land, ‘You are a land that ·has not had rain or [or is not cleansed with] showers ·when God is angry [in the day of wrath/indignation].’


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Like a roaring lion that tears ·the animal it has caught [its prey], Israel’s ·rulers [princes] ·make evil plans [conspire]. They have ·destroyed [devoured] lives and have taken treasure and ·valuable [precious] things. They have caused many women to become widows.


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·Israel’s [Her; Its] priests do ·cruel things [violence] to my ·teachings [laws; instructions; Torah] and ·do not honor [profane; ritually] my holy things. They make no difference between holy and ·unholy [common; profane; ritually] things, and they teach there is no difference between clean and unclean things [ritually]. They ·do not remember [disregard; close their eyes to] my Sabbaths, so I am ·dishonored by [profaned among; ritually] them.


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Like wolves tearing ·a dead animal [their prey], ·Jerusalem’s leaders [her princes/officials] have ·killed people [shed blood and destroy lives] for profit.


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And the prophets ·try to cover this up by [whitewash their actions with; ] false visions and by lying ·messages [divinations]. They say, ‘This is what the Lord God says’ when the Lord has not spoken.


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The people of the land ·cheat others [practice extortion] and ·steal [commit robbery]. They ·hurt [oppress] the poor and needy. They ·cheat [mistreat; extort] foreigners and ·do not treat them fairly [deny them justice].


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“I looked for someone to ·build up [repair; ] the walls and to stand before me ·where the walls are broken [in the gap/breach] ·to defend these people [on behalf of the land] so I would not have to destroy them. But I could not find anyone.


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So I ·let them see [poured out] my ·anger [wrath]. I destroyed them with an anger that was like fire ·because of all the things [bringing down on their heads all] they have done, says the Lord God.”


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While they were young, they went to Egypt and became prostitutes. They let men ·touch [fondle] and hold their virgin breasts.


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The older girl was named Oholah, and her sister was named Oholibah. They became my wives and had sons and daughters. Oholah is Samaria, and Oholibah is Jerusalem [both names are related to the Hebrew word for “tent,” and refer to the two kingdoms of Israel and Judah].


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“While ·still my wife [she was mine], ·Samaria [Oholah] ·had sexual relations with other men [engaged in prostitution]. She ·had great sexual desire for [lusted after] her lovers, men from Assyria. The Assyrians were warriors ·and


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wore blue uniforms [clothed in blue]. They were all ·handsome [desirable] young men, ·captains [or governors] and ·lieutenants [commanders] riding on horseback.


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·Samaria [She] became a prostitute for all the ·important [elite] men in Assyria and ·made herself unclean [defiled herself] with all the idols of everyone she desired.


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She ·continued [did not give up] the prostitution she began in Egypt. When she was young, she had slept with men, and they ·touched [fondled] her virgin breasts and ·had sexual relations with [poured out their lust on] her.


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“So I handed her over to her lovers, the Assyrians, ·that she wanted so badly [for whom she lusted].


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They ·stripped her naked [uncovered her nakedness; ] and took away her sons and daughters. Then they killed her with a sword [referring to the fall of Samaria to the Assyrians in 722–721 bc]. ·Women everywhere began talking [It became notorious/a byword among women] about how she had been punished.


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“Her sister ·Jerusalem [Oholibah; ] saw what happened, but she became ·worse [more depraved/corrupt] than her sister in her sexual ·desire [lust] and prostitution.


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She also desired the Assyrians, who were all soldiers in ·beautiful uniforms [full dress; or full armor]—·handsome [desirable] young ·captains [or governors] and ·lieutenants [commanders] riding horses.


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“But ·Jerusalem went [she increased her prostitution] even further. She saw carvings of ·Babylonian [Chaldean] men on a wall. They wore red []


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and had belts around their waists and turbans on their heads. They all looked like chariot officers ·born in Babylonia [the image of sons of Babel, natives of Chaldea].


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When she saw them, she ·wanted to have sexual relations with [lusted after] them and sent messengers to them in ·Babylonia [Chaldea; depicting Judah’s attempt at alliances with Babylon; ; ].


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So these Babylonian men came ·and had sexual relations with her [to her bed of love] and ·made her unclean [defiled her with their lust; ritually]. After that, she ·became sick of them [turned away in disgust].


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But she ·continued her prostitution so openly that everyone knew about it [uncovered her prostitution and uncovered her nakedness]. And I ·finally became sick of her [turned away from her in disgust], as I had her sister.


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But she remembered how she was a young prostitute in Egypt, so she took part in even more prostitution.


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She ·wanted men [lusted after lovers] ·who behaved like animals in their sexual desire [or whose genitals/flesh were the size/flesh of donkeys and seminal emission like that of horses].


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In the same way you ·desired to do the sinful things you had done [longed for the lewdness of your youth] in Egypt. There men ·touched [fondled] and ·held [caressed] your young breasts.


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God’s Judgment on Jerusalem “So, ·Jerusalem [Oholibah; ], this is what the Lord God says: You ·are tired of [turned in disgust from] your lovers. So [look; behold] now I will ·make them angry with [stir them up against] you and ·have them attack [bring them against] you from all sides [a description of the siege of Jerusalem].


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Men from Babylon and all ·Babylonia [the Chaldeans] and men from Pekod, Shoa, and Koa attack you [people groups from the Mesopotamian region]. All the Assyrians will attack you: ·handsome [desirable] young ·captains [or governors] and ·lieutenants [commanders], all of them ·important men [officers and nobles] and all riding horses.


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Those men will attack with ·great armies [a host of people/nations] and with their weapons, chariots, and wagons. They will ·surround you [take up positions against you on every side] with large and small shields and with helmets. And I will ·give them the right to punish you [assign judgment to them], and they will ·give you their own kind of punishment [or judge you by their own standards].


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Then ·you will see how strong my anger can be [or I will direct my jealous anger against you] when they ·punish [deal with] you in their anger. They will cut off your noses and ears [acts of torture and humiliation]. They will ·take away [seize] your sons and daughters, and those who are left will be ·burned [consumed/devoured by fire].


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I will put a stop to the ·sinful life [lewd/obscene behavior] you began when you were in Egypt so that you will not ·desire it [or seek their help; lift up your eyes to them] or remember Egypt anymore.


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“This is what the Lord God says: You became ·tired of [disgusted with] your lovers, but I am going to hand you over to those men you now hate.


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They will treat you with hate and take away everything you worked for, leaving you empty and naked. ·Everyone will know about the sinful things you did [The nakedness of your prostitution will be uncovered]. Your ·sexual sins [lewdness and promiscuity]


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have brought this on you. You have ·had sexual relations with [prostituted yourself with] the nations and ·made yourselves unclean [defiled yourself] by worshiping their idols.


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You ·did the same things your sister did [went the way of your sister; ], so ·you will get the same punishment, like a bitter cup to drink [I will put her cup in your hand].


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“This is what the Lord God says: You will drink the same cup your sister did, and that cup is deep and wide [the cup of judgment; ]. ·Everyone will make fun of you [You will be mocked and derided], because the cup ·is full [holds much].


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It will ·make you miserable and drunk [fill you with drunkenness and sorrow]. It is the cup of ·fear [horror; or ruin] and ·ruin [devastation]. It is the cup of your sister Samaria.


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You will drink ·everything in [and drain] it, and then you will ·smash it [or chew on its pieces] and tear at your breasts. I have spoken, says the Lord God.


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“So this is what the Lord God says: You have forgotten me and ·turned your back on me [cast me behind your back]. So you ·will be punished [must bear the consequences] for your ·sexual sins [lewdness and prostitution].”


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Judgment on Samaria and Jerusalem The Lord said to me: “·Human [Son of man; ], will you judge ·Samaria [Oholah] and ·Jerusalem [Oholibah], ·showing [declaring to] them their ·hateful [detestable; abominable] acts?


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They are guilty of adultery and ·murder [blood is on their hands]. They have taken part in adultery with their idols. They even offered ·our children [the children they bore to me] as sacrifices in the fire to be food for these idols.


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They have also done this to me: They ·made my Temple unclean [defiled my sanctuary; ritually] at the same time they ·dishonored [defiled; profaned; ritually] my Sabbaths.


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They ·sacrificed [slaughtered] their children to their idols. Then they entered my Temple at that very time to ·dishonor [desecrate; profane; ritually] it. That is what they did inside my ·Temple [house]!


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“They even sent for men from far away, who came after a messenger was sent to them. You bathed yourselves for them, painted your eyes, and put on jewelry [; ].


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You sat on a ·fine bed [luxurious couch] with a table set before it, on which you put my incense and my oil.


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“There was the noise of a ·reckless [or carefree] crowd in the city. Common people gathered, and ·drunkards [or Sabaeans; inhabitants of Sheba, in present-day Yemen] were brought from the ·desert [wilderness]. They put bracelets on the wrists of the two sisters and beautiful crowns on their heads.


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Then I said about the one who was worn out by her acts of adultery, ‘Let them continue their ·sexual sins [prostitution] with her. ·She is nothing but a prostitute […even her].’


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They kept going to her as they would go to a prostitute. So they continued to go to ·Samaria [Oholah] and ·Jerusalem [Oholibah; ], these ·shameful [lewd; obscene] women.


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But men who ·do right [are righteous] will ·punish them as they punish [judge them with the judgment against] women who take part in adultery and who ·murder people [shed blood], because they are guilty of adultery and ·murder [blood is on their hands].


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“This is what the Lord God says: Bring together a mob against ·Samaria and Jerusalem [them] and hand them over to ·be frightened and robbed [terror and plunder].


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Let the ·mob [army; host] stone them, and let them cut them down with their swords. Let them kill their sons and daughters and burn their houses down.


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“So I will put an end to ·sexual sins [lewdness; obscenity] in the land. Then all women will be warned, and they will not ·do the sexual sins you have done [practice the same wickedness].


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·You will be punished [They will repay you] for your ·sexual sins [lewdness; obscenity] and the sin of worshiping idols. Then you will know that I am the Lord God.”


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The Pot and the Meat The ·Lord spoke his word [word of the Lord came] to me in the ninth year [since King Jehoiachin’s exile ()], in the tenth month, on the tenth day of the month [January 15, 588 bc]. He said:


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“·Human [Son of man; ], write down ·today’s date [the name of this day], this very ·date [day]. The king of Babylon has ·surrounded [laid siege to] Jerusalem this very day.


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And tell a ·story [parable] to the ·people who refuse to obey me [rebellious house]. Say to them: ‘This is what the Lord God says: Put on the pot; put it on and pour water in it.


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Put in the pieces of meat, the best pieces—the ·legs [thighs] and the shoulders. Fill it with the best bones.


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Take the best of the flock, and pile ·wood [or bones] under the pot. Boil the pieces of meat until even the bones are cooked.


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“‘This is what the Lord God says: ·How terrible it will be for [Woe to] the city of ·murderers [blood]! ·How terrible it will be for [Woe to] the ·rusty [corroded; rotted] pot whose ·rust [corrosion; rot] will not come off! Take the meat out of it, piece by piece. ·Don’t choose any special piece [or Don’t cast lots for any of it].


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“‘The blood ·from her killings [she shed] is still in ·the city [her midst]. She poured the blood on the bare rock. She did not pour it on the ground where dust would cover it.


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To stir up my ·anger [wrath] and ·revenge [vengeance], I put ·the blood she spilled [her blood] on the bare rock so it will not be covered.


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“‘So this is what the Lord God says: ·How terrible it will be for [Woe to] the city of ·murderers [blood]! I myself will pile the wood high [for burning].


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Pile up the wood and ·light [kindle] the fire. Cook the meat well. ·Mix in the spices [or Pour out all the broth], and let the bones burn.


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Then set the empty pot on the coals so it may become hot and its copper sides glow. ·The dirty scum stuck inside it [So that its impurities/uncleanness] may then melt and its ·rust [corrosion; rot] burn away.


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·But efforts to clean the pot have failed [It has wearied itself with toil]. Its heavy ·rust [corrosion; rot] cannot be removed, ·even in the fire [or Into the fire with its rust/corrosion!].


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“‘By your ·sinful action [lewdness; obscenity] you have become ·unclean [defiled; ritually]]. I wanted to cleanse you, but you are still unclean. You will never be cleansed from your sin until my ·anger [wrath] against you is ·carried out [satisfied; exhausted].


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“‘I, the Lord, have spoken. The time has come for me to act. I will not ·hold back punishment [relent] or feel pity or ·change my mind [or be sorry]. I will judge you by your ways and actions, says the Lord God.’”


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“·Human [Son of man; ], I am going to take ·your wife from you, the woman you look at with love [the delight of your eyes]. ·She will die suddenly […with a stroke/blow/jolt], but you must not ·be sad [lament] or ·cry loudly [weep] for her or shed any tears.


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Groan silently; do not ·cry loudly [mourn] for the dead. ·Tie [Wrap; Bind] on your turban [normally taken off for mourning], and put your sandals on your feet. Do not cover your ·face [lower face; or mustache], and do not eat the ·food people eat when they are sad about a death [or food brought by others; bread of men].”


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So I spoke to the people in the morning, and my wife died in the evening. The next morning I did as I had been commanded.


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Then the people asked me, “·Tell [Won’t you tell…?] us, what do the things you are doing mean for us?”


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‘Say to the ·people [house] of Israel, This is what the Lord God says: I am going to ·dishonor [desecrate; profane; ritually] my ·Temple [sanctuary]. ·You are proud of the strength it gives you […the pride of your power] and ·you look at it with love and tenderness […the delight of your eyes and the desire of your soul]. But your sons and daughters that you left behind in Jerusalem will fall dead by the sword.


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When that happens, you will act as I have: you will not cover your ·face [lower face; or mustache], and you will not eat the ·food people eat when they are sad about a death [or food brought by others; bread of men].


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Your turbans will stay on your heads, and your sandals on your feet. You will not ·cry loudly [mourn or weep], but you will rot away ·in your sins [or because of your sins/iniquities] and groan to each other.


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So Ezekiel is to be an ·example [sign; object lesson] for you. You will do all the same things he did. When all this happens, you will know that I am the Lord God.’


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“And as for you, ·human [son of man; ], this is how it will be. I will take away ·the Temple that gives them strength and joy, that makes them proud [their stronghold, their joy, and glory]. ·They look at it with love, and it makes them happy […the delight of their eyes and the desire of their soul; ]. And I will take away their sons and daughters also.


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·At that time [On that day] a ·person who escapes [fugitive] will come to you with information for you to hear.


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·At that time [On that day] your mouth will be opened. You will speak and be silent no more. So you will be a sign for them, and they will know that I am the Lord.”


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Say to them, ‘Hear the word of the Lord God. This is what the Lord God says: You ·were glad [said, “Aha!”] when my ·Temple [sanctuary] was ·dishonored [defiled; profaned; ritually], when the land of Israel was ·ruined [made desolate], and when the ·people [house] of Judah ·were taken away as captives [went into exile].


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So [Look; Behold] I am going to give you to the people of the East ·to be theirs [as a possession]. They will set up their camps among you and make their ·homes [dwelling places] among you. They will eat your fruit and drink your milk.


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I will make the city of Rabbah a pasture for camels and the land of Ammon a resting place for sheep. Then you will know that I am the Lord.


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For this is what the Lord God says: You have clapped your hands and stamped your feet; you have ·laughed about all the insults you made [rejoiced with the scorn/malice of your soul] against the land of Israel.


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So I will ·use my power [stretch out my hand] against you. I will give you to the nations as ·if you were treasures taken in war [plunder]. I will cut you off from the ·nations [peoples] and wipe you out of the ·countries [lands], and I will destroy you. Then you will know that I am the Lord.’


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Prophecy Against Moab and Edom “This is what the Lord God says: ‘Moab and ·Edom [Seir] say, “[Look; Behold] The ·people [house] of Judah are like all the other nations.”


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So I am going to ·take away the cities that protect Moab’s borders [open up Moab’s flank, starting with its frontier towns], the ·best cities in [glory of] that land: Beth Jeshimoth, Baal Meon, and Kiriathaim.


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Then I will give Moab, along with the Ammonites, to the people of the East as their possession. Then, along with the Ammonites, Moab will not be a nation anymore.


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So I will ·punish [execute judgments upon] the people of Moab, and they will know that I am the Lord.’


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Prophecy Against Edom “This is what the Lord God says: ‘Edom took ·revenge [vengeance] on the ·people [house] of Judah, and the Edomites became guilty because of it.


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So this is what the Lord God says: I will ·use my power [stretch out my hand] against Edom, killing every human and animal in it. And I will ·destroy [lay waste; make desolate] Edom all the way from Teman [district in central Edom] to Dedan [territory in southern Edom] as they ·die in battle [fall by the sword].


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I will use my people Israel to take revenge on Edom. ·So the Israelites will do to Edom what my hot anger demands […according to my anger and according to my wrath]. Then the Edomites will know what my ·revenge [vengeance] feels like, says the Lord God.’


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Prophecy Against Philistia “This is what the Lord God says: ‘The Philistines have taken revenge with ·hateful hearts [malice in their souls]. Because of their ·strong [or ancient; or never-ending] hatred, they have tried to destroy Judah.


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So this is what the Lord God says: [Look; Behold] I will ·use my power [stretch out my hand] against the Philistines. I will ·kill [cut off] the Kerethites, and I will destroy those people still alive on the ·coast of the Mediterranean Sea [seacoast].


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I will do great acts of ·revenge [vengeance] to them and punish them in my anger. They will know that I am the Lord when I take ·revenge [vengeance] on them.’”


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Prophecy Against Tyre It was the eleventh year [since King Jehoiachin’s exile (); 586 bc], on the first day of the month. The ·Lord spoke his word [word of the Lord came] to me, saying:


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“·Human [Son of man; ], the city of Tyre has spoken against Jerusalem: ‘The ·city that traded with [gate of] the nations is ·destroyed [broken]. ·Now we can be the trading center [Its doors have swung open to me]. Since ·the city of Jerusalem [it] is ruined, ·we can make money [I will be filled].’


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So this is what the Lord God says: [Look; Behold] I am against you, Tyre. I will bring many nations against you, like the sea ·beating its waves on your island shores [brings up its waves].


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They will destroy the walls of Tyre and pull down her towers. I will also scrape away her ·ruins [rubble; soil] and make her a bare rock.


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Tyre will be ·an island [in the midst of the sea] where fishermen dry their nets. I have spoken, says the Lord God. ·The nations will steal treasures from Tyre [She will become plunder for the nations].


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Also, her ·villages [settlements; daughters] on the ·shore [mainland] across from the island will be ·destroyed by war [slaughtered by the sword]. Then they will know that I am the Lord.


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Nebuchadnezzar to Attack Tyre “This is what the Lord God says: [Look; Behold] I will bring a king from the north against Tyre. He is Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, ·the greatest king [king of kings], with his horses, chariots, horsemen, and a great army.


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He will destroy your ·villages [settlements; daughters] on the ·shore across from the island [mainland]. He will set up ·devices to attack you [siege works]. He will build a ·road of earth to the top of the walls [siege ramp]. He will raise his shields against you.


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He will ·bring logs to pound through [direct blows of battering rams against] your city walls, and he will break down your towers with his ·iron bars [or hammers; swords].


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His horses will be so many that they will cover you with their dust. Your walls will shake at the noise of horsemen, wagons, and chariots. The king of Babylon will enter your city gates as men enter a city where the walls are broken through.


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The hoofs of his horses will ·run over [trample] your streets. He will kill your ·army [or people] with the sword, and your strong pillars will fall down to the ground.


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Also, his men will ·take away [plunder] your riches and will ·steal [loot] ·the things you sell [your merchandise]. They will break down your walls and destroy your ·nice [pleasant; luxurious] houses. They will throw your stones, ·wood [timber; trees], and ·trash [rubble; or soil] into the sea.


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I will make you a bare rock, and you will be a place for ·drying [spreading] fishing nets. You will not be built again, because I, the Lord, have spoken, says the Lord God.


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“This is what the Lord God says to Tyre: ·The people who live along the seacoast will [Won’t the coastlands…?] ·shake with fear [tremble] ·when they hear about your defeat [or at the sound of your fall]. ·The injured will […when the wounded] groan as the ·killing [slaughter] takes place in you.


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Then all the ·leaders [princes] of the ·seacoast [sea] will get down from their thrones, take off their ·beautiful needlework [embroidered] clothes, and ·show how afraid they are [clothe themselves with trembling]. They will sit on the ground and tremble ·all the time [continuously], ·shocked [appalled; aghast] when they see you.


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They will begin singing a ·funeral song [lament; dirge] about you and will say to you: ‘Famous city [Tyre was a great maritime power], you have been destroyed! You have lost your sea power! You and your ·people [inhabitants] had great power on the seas. You made everyone around you afraid of you.


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Now the ·people who live by the coast [coastlands will] tremble, ·now that [on the day] you have fallen. The ·islands [or coastlands] of the sea are ·afraid [terrified; dismayed] ·because you have been defeated [at your demise/passing].’


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“This is what the Lord God says: I will make you ·an empty city [desolate; a ruin], like cities that ·have no people living in them [are uninhabited/deserted]. I will bring the ·deep ocean waters [deep] over you, and the ·Mediterranean Sea [great waters] will cover you.


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At that time I will send you down to the ·place of the dead [pit] to ·join those who died long ago [the people of old/antiquity]. I will make you live with the dead ·below the earth [in the underworld] ·in places that are like old ruins [among ancient ruins]. You will not ·come back from there [or be inhabited] or have any place in the ·world [land] of the living again.


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·Other people will be afraid of what happened to you [or I will bring you to a terrible end], and it will be the end of you. People will look for you, but they will never find you again, says the Lord God.”


text:
Speak to Tyre, which ·has ports for the Mediterranean Sea [sits at the gateway to the Sea] and is a ·place for trade [merchant] for the people of many coastlands. ‘This is what the Lord God says: Tyre, you have said, “I am ·like a beautiful ship [perfect in beauty].”


text:
·You were at home on [Your borders were in the heart of] the high seas. Your builders made your beauty perfect.


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They made all your boards of fir trees from ·Mount Hermon [Senir]. They took a cedar tree from Lebanon to make a ship’s mast for you.


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They made your oars from oak trees from Bashan. They made your deck from cypress trees from the coast of ·Cyprus [Kittim] ·and set ivory into it [inlaid with ivory].


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Your sail of ·linen with designs sewed on it [embroidered linen] came from Egypt and ·became like a flag for you [served as your banner]. Your ·cloth shades over the deck [awnings] were blue and purple and came from the ·island [coastlands] of ·Cyprus [Elisha; a city on the east side of Cyprus and an older name for the island].


text:
·Men [Residents; or Leaders] from Sidon [a major city twenty-five miles north of Tyre] and Arvad [a city on the Phoenician coast, north of Sidon] used oars to row you. Tyre, your skilled men were ·the sailors [or captains; pilots] on your deck.


text:
·Workers [or Veteran craftsmen; Elders] of Byblos were with you, putting caulk in your ship’s seams. All the ships of the sea and their sailors came alongside to trade with you.


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“‘Men of Persia, ·Lydia [Lud; a city in Asia Minor], and ·Put [present-day Libya, in North Africa] were warriors in your ·navy [army] and hung their shields and helmets on your sides. They ·made you look beautiful [gave you splendor].


text:
Men of Arvad [] and ·Cilicia [Helech; southeast Asia Minor] guarded your city walls all around. Men of Gammad [an unknown location, perhaps northern Asia Minor] were in your watchtowers and hung their shields around your walls. They made your beauty perfect.


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“‘People of Tarshish [probably in southern Spain; ] became traders for you because of your great wealth. They ·traded [exchanged] your goods for silver, iron, tin, and lead.


text:
“‘People of ·Greece [Javan], Tubal, and Meshech [both in Asia Minor; ] became merchants for you. They traded your goods for slaves and items of bronze.


text:
“‘People of Beth Togarmah [eastern Asia Minor; present-day Armenia] traded your goods for ·work [or chariot] horses, war horses [either chariot of cavalry horses], and mules.


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“‘·People of [Sons of] Rhodes [an island off southwest coast of Asia Minor] became merchants for you, selling your goods on many coastlands. They brought back ivory tusks and ·valuable black wood [ebony] as your payment.


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“‘People of Aram [Syria] ·became traders for [did business with] you, because you had so many good things to sell. They traded your goods for turquoise, purple cloth, ·cloth with designs sewed on [embroidered work], fine linen, coral, and rubies.


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“‘People of Judah and Israel became merchants for you. They traded your goods for wheat from Minnith [a town in Ammon, east of the Jordan River], and for ·meal [millet], honey, olive oil, and balm.


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“‘People of Damascus [the capital of Aram (Syria)] became traders for you because you have many good things and great wealth. They traded your goods for wine from Helbon [a town north of Damascus], wool from Zahar [an area northwest of Damascus], and barrels of wine from Izal [possibly present-day Yemen]. They received wrought iron, cassia [a tree similar to the cinnamon tree; ], and ·sugar cane [or calamus; a fragrant reed] in payment for your ·good things [wares; merchandise].


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“‘People of Dedan [a territory in southern Edom] became merchants for you, trading saddle blankets for riding.


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“‘People of Arabia and all the ·rulers [princes] of Kedar became traders for you. They received lambs, ·male sheep [rams], and goats in payment for you.


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“‘The merchants of Sheba [the southwestern Arabian peninsula, present-day Yemen] and Raamah [a city in southern Arabia] became merchants for you. They traded your goods for all the best spices, ·valuable gems [precious stones], and gold.


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“‘People of Haran [a city in present-day eastern Turkey], Canneh [unknown location], Eden [in Mesopotamia near Haran], and the traders of Sheba [], Asshur [a city south of Nineveh], and Kilmad [an unknown location] became merchants for you.


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They were paid with the best clothes, blue cloth, ·cloth with designs sewed on [embroidered work], carpets of many colors, ·and tightly wound ropes [or rolled up and tied with cords; or made of tightly knotted cords].


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“‘·Trading ships [or The ships of Tarshish] carried ·the things you sold [your merchandise]. You were like a ship full of heavy cargo in the ·middle [heart] of the sea.


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The men who rowed you brought you out into the high seas, but the east wind broke you to pieces in the ·middle [heart] of the sea.


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Your wealth, your ·trade [products], your goods, your seamen, your ·sailors [or captains], your ·workers [or caulkers], your traders, your ·warriors [soldiers], and everyone else on board sank into the ·sea [heart of the sea] on the day ·your ship was wrecked [of your fall].


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The ·people on the shore shake with fear [countryside shakes; or waves surge] when your ·sailors [or captains] cry out.


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All the men who row ·leave [disembark from; or abandon] their ships; the seamen and the ·sailors [or captains] of other ships stand on the shore.


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They cry loudly about you; they cry ·very much [bitterly]. They throw dust on their heads and roll in ashes.


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They shave their heads for you, and they put on ·rough cloth [burlap; sackcloth; signs of sorrow and distress]. They ·cry and sob for you [weep over you with bitter souls]; they ·cry loudly [mourn bitterly].


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And in their ·loud crying [wailing] they sing a ·funeral song [lament; dirge] for you: “·No one was ever destroyed [Who was…?] like Tyre, ·surrounded by [or like a tower in the middle of; or now silent in the midst of] the sea.”


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When the goods you traded went out over the seas, you ·met the needs of [satisfied] many nations. With your great wealth and ·goods [merchandise], you made kings of the earth rich.


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But now you are ·broken [shipwrecked; shattered] by the sea ·and have sunk to the bottom [in the depths of the waters]. Your ·goods [merchandise] and all the people on board have gone down with you.


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All those who live along the ·shore [coastland] are ·shocked [appalled; aghast] by what happened to you. Their kings are ·terribly afraid [horrified], and their faces ·show their fear [are troubled/contorted].


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The traders among the nations hiss at you. You have ·come to a terrible end [or become a horror], and you are gone forever.’”


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“·Human [Son of man; ], say to the ruler of Tyre: ‘This is what the Lord God says: Because ·you are [your heart is] proud, you say, “I am a god. I sit on the ·throne [seat] of a god in the ·middle [heart] of the seas.” You think you are as wise as a god, but you are a ·human [mortal; man], not a god.


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[Look; Behold] You ·think you are [are] wiser than Daniel []. ·You think you can find out all secrets [No secret is hidden from you].


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Through your wisdom and understanding you have made yourself rich. You have ·gained [gathered] gold and silver ·and have saved it in [in] your ·storerooms [treasuries].


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Through your great skill in trading, you have made your riches grow. ·You are too [Your heart is] proud because of your riches.


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·but [therefore, look/behold] I will bring foreign people against you, the ·cruelest [most ruthless] nations. They will draw their swords ·and destroy all that your wisdom has built [against your beauty and wisdom], and they will ·dishonor [defile] your ·greatness [splendor].


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They will ·kill you [bring you down to the pit]; you will die a ·terrible [violent] death ·like those who are killed at sea [or in the heart of the sea].


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·While they are killing you [In the presence of those killing you], ·you will not [will you…?] be able to say anymore, “I am a god.” You will be only a human, not a god, ·when your murderers kill you [in the hands of those who kill you].


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You will die ·like an unclean person [the death of the uncircumcised]; ·foreigners will kill you […in the hands of strangers/foreigners]. I have spoken, says the Lord God.’”


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“·Human [Son of man; ], sing a ·funeral song [lament; dirge] for the king of Tyre. Say to him: ‘This is what the Lord God says: You were ·an example [the seal/signet] of what was perfect, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty.


text:
You ·had a wonderful life, as if you were in Eden [were in Eden], the garden of God [like Adam; ]. Every valuable gem ·was on [covered] you: ·ruby [or carnelian], ·topaz [or chysolite], and ·emerald [or diamond], ·yellow quartz [or chrysolite], onyx, and jasper, ·sapphire [or lapis lazuli], turquoise, and ·chrysolite [or beryl; or emerald]. Your ·jewelry [settings and mounts] was made of gold. It was prepared on the day you were created.


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I appointed a ·living creature [cherub] to guard you. I put you on the holy mountain of God. You walked among the ·gems that shined like fire [fiery stones].


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·Your life was right and good [You were blameless in your ways] from the day you were created, until ·evil [wickedness; unrighteousness] was found in you.


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Because you traded with countries ·far away [or in abundance], you ·learned to be cruel [were filled with violence], and you sinned. So I ·threw you down [banished you] in ·disgrace [or defilement] from the mountain of God. And the ·living creature [cherub] who guarded you ·forced you out [expelled you] from among the ·gems that shined like fire [fiery stones].


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·You became too [Your heart was] proud because of your beauty. You ·ruined [corrupted] your wisdom because of your ·greatness [splendor]. I threw you down to the ground. ·Your example taught a lesson to [or I made a spectacle of you before] other kings.


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You ·dishonored [desecrated; profaned; ritually] your ·places of worship [sanctuaries] through your many sins and dishonest trade. So I ·set on fire the place where you lived [sent fire out from your midst], and the fire ·burned you up [consumed you]. I turned you into ashes on the ground ·for all those watching to see [before the eyes of all who saw you].


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All the nations who knew you are ·shocked [appalled; aghast] about you. Your punishment was so terrible, and you are gone forever.’”


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Say: ‘This is what the Lord God says: I am against you, Sidon, and I will show my glory ·among [or within] you [his manifest presence]. People will know that I am the Lord when I ·have punished Sidon [execute judgments against her]; I will show my holiness ·by defeating [in] her.


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I will send ·diseases [a plague/pestilence] to Sidon, and blood will flow in her streets. ·Those who are wounded [or The slain] ·in Sidon will fall dead [will fall in her midst], ·attacked from [by the sword against it on] all sides. Then they will know that I am the Lord.


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God Will Help Israel “‘No more will neighboring nations be like ·thorny branches [prickling briars] or sharp ·stickers [thorns] to ·hurt [treat with contempt/scorn the house of] Israel. Then they will know that I am the Lord God.


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“‘This is what the Lord God says: I will gather the ·people [house] of Israel from the nations where they are scattered. I will show my holiness ·when the nations see what I do for my people [in them in the sight of the nations]. Then they will live in their own land—the land I gave to my servant Jacob.


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They will live safely in the land and will build houses and plant vineyards. They will live in safety after I have ·punished [executed judgments against] all the nations around who ·hate them [treat them with contempt; scorn them]. Then they will know that I am the Lord their God.’”


text:
Prophecy Against Egypt It was the tenth year [since King Jehoiachin’s exile ()], in the tenth month, on the twelfth day of the month [January 7, 587 bc]. The ·Lord spoke his word [word of the Lord came] to me, saying:


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“·Human [Son of man; ], ·look [set your face] toward the king of Egypt, and prophesy against him and all Egypt.


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Say: ‘This is what the Lord God says: [Look; Behold] I am against you, Pharaoh, king of Egypt. You are like a great ·crocodile [or monster; or dragon] that lies in the Nile River. You say, “The Nile is mine; I made it for myself.”


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But I will put hooks in your jaws, and I will make the fish of the Nile stick to your ·sides [scales]. I will pull you up out of your ·rivers [streams], with all the fish of your streams sticking to your ·sides [scales].


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I will leave you in the ·desert [wilderness] , you and all the fish from your ·rivers [streams]. You will fall onto the ·ground [open field]; you will not be picked up or ·buried [gathered]. I have given you to the ·wild animals [beasts of the earth] and to the birds of the sky for food.


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Then all the people who live in Egypt will know that I am the Lord. “‘·Israel tried to lean on you for help, but you were like a crutch made out of a weak stalk of grass [Because you were a reed staff for the house of Israel…; ].


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When their hands grabbed you, you ·splintered [broke] and tore open their shoulders. When they leaned on you, you ·broke [splintered] and made all their ·backs twist [or legs go wobbly; or loins shake].


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“‘So this is what the Lord God says: I will ·cause an enemy to attack [bring a sword against] you and kill your people and animals.


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Egypt will become an ·empty desert [desolate wasteland]. Then they will know that I am the Lord. “‘Because you said, “The Nile River is mine, and I have made it,”


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I am against you and your ·rivers [streams]. I will destroy the land of Egypt and make it an ·empty desert [desolate wasteland] from Migdol [in the north] to Aswan [in the south], all the way to the border of Cush [Ethiopia].


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No ·person or animal will walk [foot of man shall pass through it and no foot of beast will pass] through it, and no one will live in Egypt for forty years.


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I will make the land of Egypt ·the most deserted country of all [a desolation among desolate lands]. Her cities will be ·the most deserted of all [a desolation among] ruined cities for forty years. I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations, spreading them among the countries.


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“‘This is what the Lord God says: After forty years I will gather Egypt from the nations where they have been scattered.


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I will ·bring back the Egyptian captives [restore the fortunes of Egypt] and make them return to ·southern Egypt [the land of Pathros], to the land ·they came from [of their ancestry/origin]. They will become a ·weak [lowly; insignificant] kingdom there.


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It will be the ·weakest [most lowly/insignificant] kingdom, and it will never again ·rule [exalt itself over] other nations. I will make it so ·weak [small] it will never again rule over the nations.


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The Israelites will never again ·depend on [rely on; have confidence in] Egypt. Instead, ·Egypt’s punishment [it] will remind the Israelites of their sin in turning to Egypt for help. Then they will know that I am the Lord God.’”


text:
Egypt Is Given to Babylon It was the twenty-seventh year [since King Jehoiachin’s exile ()], in the first month, on the first day of the month [April 26, 571 bc]. The ·Lord spoke his word [word of the Lord came] to me, saying:


text:
“·Human [Son of man; ], Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon made his army ·fight [labor] hard against Tyre. Every soldier’s head was rubbed bare, and every shoulder was rubbed raw. But Nebuchadnezzar and his army gained ·nothing [or no wages] from ·fighting Tyre [the labor he performed against her].


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So this is what the Lord God says: I will give the land of Egypt to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. He will ·take away Egypt’s people and its wealth and its treasures [carry off its wealth and loot and plunder it] as pay for his army.


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I am giving Nebuchadnezzar the land of Egypt as ·a reward [compensation] for working hard for me, says the Lord God.


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“·At that time [On that day] I will ·make Israel grow strong again [cause a horn to sprout for the house of Israel; ], and I will ·let you, Ezekiel, speak to them [give you an open mouth among them]. Then they will know that I am the Lord.”


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“·Human [Son of man; ], prophesy and say, ‘This is what the Lord God says: ·Cry [Wail] ·and say [Alas; Hah], “·The terrible day is coming […for the day].”


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[For] The day is near; the ·Lord’s day of judging [Day of the Lord] is near. It is a ·cloudy day [day of clouds; perhaps storm clouds, or indicating the presence of God; ; ] and a time ·when the nations will be judged [for the nations].


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An ·enemy will attack [sword will come against] Egypt, and Cush [Ethiopia] will ·tremble with fear [be in anguish]. When the ·killing begins [slain fall] in Egypt, her wealth will be ·taken away [carried off], and her foundations will be torn down.


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Cush, Put, ·Lydia [Lud; ], all ·Arabia [or all the foreigners; or all the mercenaries], ·Libya [Kub], and ·some of my people who had made an agreement with Egypt [or the people of allied lands; the sons of the land of the covenant] will fall ·dead in war [by the sword with them].


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“‘This is what the Lord says: ·Those who fight on Egypt’s side [Egypt’s supporters] will fall. The power she is proud of will ·be lost [collapse; come down]. From Migdol [in northern Egypt] to ·Aswan [Syene; in southern Egypt], the people will fall ·dead in war [by the sword] says the Lord God.


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They will be ·the most deserted [desolate in the midst of desolate] lands. Egypt’s cities will be ·the worst [in the midst] of cities that lie in ruins.


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Then they will know that I am the Lord when I set fire to Egypt and when all ·those nations on her side [her helpers/allies] are crushed.


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“‘·At that time [On that day] I will send messengers in ships to frighten Cush [Ethiopia], which ·now feels safe [is over-confident; or is complacent]. ·The people of Cush will tremble with fear [Anguish will come upon them] ·when Egypt is punished [in the day of Egypt]. And [look; behold] that time is sure to come.


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“‘This is what the Lord God says: I will destroy ·great numbers of people in [the hordes of] Egypt ·through the power [by the hand] of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon.


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Nebuchadnezzar and his ·army [or people], the ·cruelest army [most ruthless] of any nation, will be brought in to destroy the land. They will draw their swords against Egypt and will fill the land with ·those they kill [the slain].


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I will make the streams of the Nile River become dry land, and then I will sell the land to evil people. I will ·destroy [desolate] the land and everything in it through the ·power [hand] of foreigners. I, the Lord, have spoken.


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Egypt’s Idols Are Destroyed “‘This is what the Lord God says: I will destroy the idols and ·take away [put an end to] the ·statues of gods from the city of [images in] Memphis. There will no longer be a ·leader [prince] in the land of Egypt, and I will spread fear through the land of Egypt.


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I will make ·southern Egypt [Pathros] ·empty [a desolation] and ·start a fire in [or set fire to] Zoan and ·punish [execute judgment on] Thebes.


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And I will pour out my anger against Pelusium [a fortess in the eastern delta of the Nile River], the ·strong place [stronghold] of Egypt. I will ·destroy [cut off] ·great numbers of people in [the hordes/armies of] Thebes.


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I will set fire to Egypt. Pelusium [] will ·be in great pain [writhe in agony]. ·The walls of Thebes will be broken open [Thebes will be breached], and Memphis will ·have troubles [or face enemies] every day.


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The young men of ·Heliopolis [On; six miles northeast of Cairo] and Bubastis [the capital of northern Egypt; forty miles northeast of Cairo] will fall dead ·in war [by the sword], and ·the people [or the cities; they] will be taken away as captives.


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In Tahpanhes [in northeast Egypt] the day will be dark when I break ·Egypt’s power [the yoke of Egypt]. Then ·she will no longer be proud of her power [her proud strength will cease]. A cloud will cover Egypt, and her ·villages [daughters] will be captured and taken away.


text:
Egypt Becomes Weak It was in the eleventh year [since King Jehoiachin’s exile ()], in the first month, on the seventh day of the month [April 29, 587 bc]. The ·Lord spoke his word [word of the Lord came] to me, saying:


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“·Human [Son of man; ], I have broken the ·powerful arm [arm] of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. It has not been ·tied [bound] up, so it will not get well. It has not been wrapped with a bandage, so it will not be strong enough to hold a sword in war.


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So this is what the Lord God says: [Look; Behold] I am against Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. I will break his arms, both the strong arm and the broken arm, and I will make the sword fall from his hand.


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I will make the arms of the king of Babylon strong and put my sword in his hand. But I will break the arms of Pharaoh. Then ·when he faces the king of Babylon [before him] he will ·cry out in pain [groan] like a ·dying [mortally wounded] person.


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So I will make the arms of the king of Babylon strong, but the arms of the king of Egypt will ·fall [become limp]. Then people will know that I am the Lord when I put my sword into the hand of the king of Babylon and he ·uses it in war [wields it; extends it] against the land of Egypt.


text:
Then I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations, spreading them among the countries. Then they will know that I am the Lord.”


text:
A Cedar Tree It was in the eleventh year [since King Jehoiachin’s exile ()], in the third month, on the first day of the month [June 21, 587 bc]. The ·Lord spoke his word [word of the Lord came] to me, saying:


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“·Human [Son of man; ], say to the king of Egypt and his people: ‘·No one [Who…?] is like you in your greatness.


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[Look; Behold] Assyria was once like a cedar tree in Lebanon with beautiful branches that shaded the forest. It was ·very tall [a towering height]; its top was among the clouds.


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Much water made the tree grow; the deep springs made it tall. Rivers flowed around ·the bottom of the tree [its place of planting] and sent their ·streams [channels] to all other trees ·in the countryside [of the field].


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So the tree was taller than all the other trees ·in the countryside [of the field]. Its ·limbs [boughs] became large and its branches long because of ·so much [abundant] water.


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All the birds of the ·sky [heavens] made their nests in the tree’s ·limbs [boughs; , ]. And all the ·wild animals [beasts of the field] gave birth under its branches. All great nations lived in the tree’s shade.


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So the tree was great and beautiful, with its long branches, because its roots reached down to ·much [abundant] water.


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The cedar trees in the garden of God [Eden] were not as great as it was. The ·pine [fir; juniper] trees ·did not have such great [could not equal its] ·limbs [boughs]. The plane trees did not have such branches. No tree in the garden of God was as beautiful as this tree.


text:
I made it beautiful with many branches, and all the trees of Eden in the garden of God ·wanted to be like [envied] it.


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“‘So this is what the Lord God says: The tree grew tall. Its top reached the clouds, and it became proud of its height.


text:
So I handed it ·over to [into the hand of] a mighty ruler of the nations for him to ·punish [deal with] it. Because it was ·evil [wicked], I ·got rid of it [threw it out; cast it aside].


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The ·cruelest [most ruthless] foreign nation cut it down and left it. The tree’s branches fell on the mountains and in all the valleys, and its ·broken limbs [boughs] were in all the ravines of the land. All the nations of the earth left the shade of that tree.


text:
The birds of the ·sky [heavens] live on the fallen tree. The wild animals live among the tree’s fallen branches.


text:
So the trees that grow by the water will not ·be proud to be [or grow so] tall; they will not put their tops among the clouds. None of the trees that are watered well will grow that tall, because they all are ·meant [appointed; consigned] to die and go ·under the ground [or to the underworld; to the depths of the earth]. They will be with ·people who have died [mortals; sons of men] and ·have gone down [those who descend] to the ·place of the dead [pit].


text:
“‘This is what the Lord God says: On the day ·when the tree [it; Assyria] went down to ·the place of the dead [Sheol], I ·made the deep springs cry loudly [or caused mourning]. I ·covered them [or closed the deep over it] and held back their rivers, and the great waters ·stopped flowing [were restrained]. I dressed Lebanon ·in black [or with gloom; in mourning for the great tree], and all the trees in the countryside ·were sad about it [wilted; fainted].


text:
I made the nations ·shake with fear [tremble; quake] at the sound of the tree falling when I brought it down to ·the place of the dead [Sheol]. It went to join those who ·have gone down [descend] to the ·grave [pit; the trees represent other great nations that have fallen]. Then all the trees of Eden and the best and ·most beautiful [choicest] trees of Lebanon, all the well-watered trees, were comforted in the ·place of the dead below the earth [underworld; world below].


text:
These trees had also gone down with the great tree to ·the place of the dead [Sheol]. They joined those who were killed ·in war [by the sword] and those among the nations who had lived under the great tree’s shade.


text:
“‘·So no tree [Which of the trees…?] in Eden is equal to you [Egypt], in ·greatness [glory; splendor] and ·honor [greatness; majesty], but you will go down to join the trees of Eden in the ·place below the earth [underworld]. You will lie among ·unclean people [the uncircumcised], with those who were killed ·in war [by the sword]. “‘This is about Pharaoh and all his ·people [hordes; armies], says the Lord God.’”


text:
A Funeral Song It was in the twelfth year [since King Jehoiachin’s exile ()], in the twelfth month, on the first day of the month [March 3, 585 bc]. The ·Lord spoke his word [word of the Lord came] to me, saying:


text:
“·Human [Son of man; ], sing a ·funeral song [lament; dirge] about Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. Say to him: ‘You are like a young lion [] among the nations. You are like a ·crocodile [or monster; or dragon; ] in the seas. You ·splash [thrash] around in your streams and stir up the water with your feet, making the rivers muddy.


text:
“‘This is what the Lord God says: I will spread my net over you, and I will use a ·large group of [assembly of many] people to ·pull [haul] you up in my net.


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Then I will ·throw [cast; or abandon] you on the land ·dropping [hurling] you onto the ·ground [open field]. I will let the birds of the ·sky [heavens] ·rest [settle] on you and all the animals of the earth ·eat you until they are full [gorge themselves on you; ].


text:
I will scatter your flesh on the mountains and fill the valleys with ·what is left of you [your remains; your height].


text:
I will drench the land with your flowing blood as far as the mountains, and the ravines will be full of your flesh.


text:
When I ·make you disappear [snuff/blot you out], I will cover the ·sky [heavens] and make the stars dark. I will cover the sun with a cloud, and the moon will not shine.


text:
I will make all the shining lights in the ·sky [heavens] become dark over you; I will bring darkness over your land, says the Lord God.


text:
I will ·cause many people to be afraid [trouble the hearts of many peoples] when I bring ·you as a captive into other [or about your destruction among the] nations, to lands you have not known.


text:
I will cause many people to be shocked about you. Their kings will tremble with ·fear [horror] because of you when I ·swing [brandish] my sword in front of them. They will ·shake [tremble] every moment on the day ·you fall [of your downfall]; each ·king [one] will ·be afraid [tremble] for his own life.


text:
I will cause your people to fall by the swords of mighty soldiers, the most ·terrible [ruthless] ·in the world [of nations]. They will ·destroy [shatter] the pride of Egypt and all its ·people [hordes/armies will be destroyed].


text:
I will also destroy all Egypt’s cattle that live alongside much water. The foot of a human will not ·stir [disturb] the water, and the hoofs of cattle will not muddy it anymore.


text:
So I will let ·the Egyptians’ [their] water ·become clear [or calm; sink; settle]. I will cause their rivers to run ·as smoothly as [like] olive oil, says the Lord God.


text:
When I make the land of Egypt ·empty [a desolation] and ·take [strip out; empty] everything that is in the land, when I ·destroy [strike down] all those who live in Egypt, then they will know that I am the Lord.’


text:
“This is the ·funeral song [lament; dirge] people will sing for Egypt. The ·women [daughters] of the nations will ·sing [chant] it; they will ·sing [chant] it for Egypt and all ·its people [her hordes/armies], says the Lord God.”


text:
Egypt to Be Destroyed It was in the twelfth year [since King Jehoiachin’s exile ()], on the fifteenth day of the month [March 17, 585 bc]. The ·Lord spoke his word [word of the Lord came] to me, saying:


text:
“·Human [Son of man; ], ·cry [wail] for the people of Egypt. Bring down Egypt, together with the ·women [daughters] of the powerful nations; bring them down to the ·place of the dead below the earth [underworld; world below] to join those who go to the ·place of the dead [pit].


text:
Say to them: ‘Are you more ·beautiful [or favored] than others? Go lie down [in death] with ·those who are unclean [the uncircumcised].’


text:
·The Egyptians [They] will fall among those killed ·in war [by the sword]. The sword is ·ready [drawn; or appointed]; ·the enemy [they] will drag Egypt and all her ·people [hordes; armies] away.


text:
From the ·place of the dead [midst of Sheol] the ·leaders of the mighty ones [or mighty leaders; warrior chiefs] will speak ·about [or to] ·the king of Egypt and the nations which help him [him and his allies]: ‘The ·unclean [uncircumcised], those killed ·in war [by the sword], have come down here and ·lie dead [lie].’


text:
“Assyria and all its ·army [assembly; company] lie dead there. ·The graves of their soldiers [Its graves] are all around. All were ·killed in war [struck down by the sword],


text:
and their graves were put in the deepest parts of the ·place of the dead [pit]. ·Assyria’s army [Her assembly/company] lies around its grave. When they ·lived on earth [were in the land of the living], they ·frightened people [spread terror], but now all of them have been ·killed in war [struck down by the sword].


text:
“The nation of Elam [a country east of Assyria; present-day Iran] is there with all its ·army [hordes] around its grave. All of them were ·killed in war [struck down by the sword]. They had ·frightened people [spread terror] ·on earth [in the land of the living] and so went down ·unclean [uncircumcised] to the ·lowest parts of the place of the dead [underworld; world below]. They must carry their shame with those who have gone down to the ·place of the dead [pit].


text:
A ·bed [resting place] has been made for Elam [] ·with all those killed in war [among the slain]. The graves of her ·soldiers [hordes] are all around her. All Elam’s people are ·unclean [uncircumcised], killed ·in war [by the sword]. They ·frightened people [spread terror] ·when they lived on earth [in the land of the living], but now they must carry their shame with those who have gone down to the ·place of the dead [pit]. ·Their graves are [or They are assigned a place; They are set] with the rest who were killed.


text:
“·Meshech and Tubal [or Meshech-tubal; people from Asia Minor, southeast of the Black Sea; ] are there with the graves of all their ·soldiers [hordes] around them. All of them are ·unclean [uncircumcised] and have been killed ·in war [by the sword]. They also ·frightened people [spread terror] ·when they lived on earth [in the land of the living].


text:
But they ·are not buried [do not lie] with the ·other soldiers who were killed in battle [fallen warriors of] long ago, those who went with their weapons of war to ·the place of the dead [Sheol]. These soldiers had their swords laid under their heads and their ·shields [or iniquities; guilt] resting on their ·bodies [bones]. These mighty soldiers used to ·frighten [terrorize] people ·when they lived on earth [in the land of the living].


text:
“You [addressing Pharaoh, king of Egypt] will be broken and lie among ·those who are unclean [the uncircumcised], who were killed ·in war [by the sword].


text:
“Edom is there also, with its kings and all its ·leaders [princes]. They were mighty, but now they lie [in death] with those killed ·in war [by the sword], with those who are ·unclean [uncircumcised], with those who have gone down to the ·place of the dead [pit].


text:
“All the ·rulers [princes] of the north and all the Sidonians are there. Their strength frightened people, but they have gone down in shame with those who were killed. They are ·unclean [uncircumcised], lying with those killed ·in war [by the sword]. They carry their shame with those who have gone down to the ·place of the dead [pit].


text:
“·The king of Egypt [Pharaoh] and his army will see ·these who have been killed in war [them]. Then he will be comforted for all his ·soldiers [hordes] killed ·in war [by the sword], says the Lord God.


text:
I ·made people afraid of the king of Egypt [or terrified him] ·while he lived on earth [in the land of the living]. But he and all his ·people [hordes; armies] will lie among those who are ·unclean [uncircumcised], who were killed ·in war [by the sword], says the Lord God.”


text:
“·Human [Son of man; ], speak to your people and say to them: ‘Suppose I bring a war against a land. The people of the land may choose one of their men and make him their watchman.


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When he sees the ·enemy [sword] coming ·to attack [against] the land, he will blow the trumpet and warn the people.


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If they hear the sound of the trumpet but do ·nothing [not heed], the ·enemy [sword] will come and ·kill them [take them away]. ·They will be responsible for their own deaths [Their blood will be on their own head].


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They heard the sound of the trumpet but didn’t ·do anything [heed the warning]. So ·they are to blame for their own deaths [their blood will be on their own head]. If they had ·done something [taken the warning], they would have saved their own lives.


text:
But if the watchman sees the ·enemy [sword] coming to attack and does not blow the trumpet, the people will not be warned. Then if the ·enemy [sword] comes and ·kills [takes away] any of them, they have died because of their own sin. But I will ·punish [hold accountable] the watchman for their ·deaths [blood].’


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“You, ·human [son of man; ], are the one I have made a watchman for [the house of] Israel. If you hear a word from my mouth, you must warn them for me.


text:
Suppose I say to the wicked: ‘Wicked people, you will surely die,’ but you don’t speak to warn the wicked to ·stop doing evil [turn from their ways]. Then they will die ·because they were sinners [for their iniquity], but I will ·punish you [hold you accountable] for their deaths.


text:
But if you warn the wicked to ·stop doing evil [turn from their ways] and they do not stop, they will die ·because they were sinners [for their iniquity]. But you have saved your life.


text:
“So you, ·human [son of man; ], say to [the house of] Israel: ‘You have said: Surely our ·lawbreaking [transgressions] and sins are ·hurting [upon] us. ·They will kill us [We are wasting/rotting away because of them]. What can we do so we will live?’


text:
Say to them: ‘The Lord God says: As surely as I live, I ·do not want any who are wicked to die [take no pleasure in the death of the wicked]. I want them to ·stop doing evil [turn from their ways] and live. ·Stop [Turn]! ·Stop [Turn from] your wicked ways! ·You don’t want to die, do you [Why will you die], ·people [house] of Israel?’


text:
“·Human [Son of man; ], say to your people: ‘The ·goodness [righteousness] of ·those who do right [the righteous] will not save them ·when they sin [in the day of their rebellion]. The ·evil of wicked people [wickedness of the wicked] will not cause them to ·be punished [stumble] if they stop doing it. If ·good people [the righteous] sin, they will not be able to live by the ·good [righteousness] they did earlier.’


text:
If I tell ·good people [the righteous], ‘You will surely live,’ they might ·think they have done enough good [trust in their righteousness] and then do evil. Then none of the ·good [righteous] things they did will be remembered. They will die because of the ·evil [iniquity] they have done.


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Or, if I say to the wicked people, ‘You will surely die,’ they may stop sinning and do what is right and ·honest [just].


text:
For example, ·they [the wicked one] may ·return what somebody gave them as a promise to repay a loan [restore the pledge], or pay back what they stole. If they live by the ·rules [statutes] that give life and do not ·sin [do evil; practice iniquity], then they will surely live, and they will not die.


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None of the sins they have committed will be ·held [remembered] against them. They now do what is right and ·fair [just], so they will surely live.


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“Your people say: ‘The way of the Lord is not fair.’ But it is their own ways that are not ·fair [just].


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When the ·good people [righteous] ·stop doing good [turn from righteousness] and do evil, they will die for their evil.


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But when the wicked ·stop doing evil [turn from sin] and do what is right and ·fair [just], they will live.


text:
You still say: ‘The way of the Lord is not fair.’ Israel, I will judge all of you ·by [according to] your own ways.”


text:
The Fall of Jerusalem Explained It was in the twelfth year [since King Jehoiachin’s exile ()], on the fifth day of the tenth month [January 19, 585 bc]. A ·person who had escaped [survivor; refugee; fugitive] from Jerusalem came to me and said, “Jerusalem has been ·captured [struck down].”


text:
Now ·I had felt the power of the Lord [the hand of the Lord was] on me the evening before. He had ·made me able to talk again [opened my mouth] before this person came to me. ·I could speak [He opened my mouth]; I was not without speech anymore [see ].


text:
“·Human [Son of man; ], people who live in the ruins in the land of Israel are saying: ‘Abraham was only one person, yet he was given the land as his own. Surely the land has been given to us, who are many, as our ·very own [possession].’


text:
So say to them: ‘This is what the Lord God says: You eat meat with the blood still in it [forbidden in the law; ], you ·ask your idols for help [raise your eyes to your idols], and you ·murder people [shed blood]. Should you then ·have the land as your very own [possess the land]?


text:
You depend on your sword and do ·terrible things that I hate [detestable/abominable things]. Each of you ·has sexual relations with [defiles] his neighbor’s wife. So should you ·have [possess] the land?’


text:
“Say to them: ‘This is what the Lord God says: As surely as I live, those who are among the city ruins in Israel will ·be killed in war [fall by the sword]. I will cause those who live in the ·country [open field] to be eaten by wild animals. People ·hiding in [in] the strongholds and caves will die of ·disease [plague; pestilence].


text:
I will make the land an ·empty desert [desolate wasteland]. ·The people’s pride in the land’s power […and her confident pride] will end. The mountains of Israel will become ·empty [desolate] so that no one will pass through them.


text:
They will know that I am the Lord when I make the land an ·empty desert [desolate wasteland] because of the things they have done that ·I hate [are detestable/abominable].’


text:
“But as for you, ·human [son of man; ], your people are talking about you by the walls and in the doorways of houses. They say to each other: ‘Come now, and hear the message from the Lord.’


text:
So they come to you in crowds as ·if they were really ready to listen [or they usually do; or people do]. They sit in front of you as if they were my people and hear your words, but they will not ·obey [do] them. With their mouths they ·tell me they love me [or talk lustfully], ·but [or and] their hearts ·desire [pursue] their selfish profits.


text:
[Look; Behold] To your people you are nothing more than a singer who sings ·love [or sensual; lustful] songs and has a beautiful voice and plays a musical instrument well. They hear your words, but they will not ·obey [do] them.


text:
“When this comes true, and it surely will happen, then the people will know that a prophet has been among them.”


text:
“·Human [Son of man; ], prophesy against the shepherds of Israel [the leaders]. Prophesy and say to them: ‘This is what the Lord God says: ·How terrible it will be for [Woe to] the shepherds of Israel who feed only themselves! ·Why don’t [Shouldn’t] the shepherds feed the flock?


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You eat the ·milk curds [or fat], and you clothe yourselves with the wool. You kill the ·fat sheep [choice/fat ones], but you do not feed the flock.


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You have not ·made the weak strong [strengthened the weak]. You have not healed the sick or put bandages on those that were hurt. You have not brought back those who strayed away or searched for the lost [; ]. But you have ruled the sheep with ·cruel force [violence and harshness].


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The sheep were scattered, because there was no shepherd, and they became food for every wild animal.


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My flock wandered over all the mountains and on every high hill. They were scattered all over the face of the earth, and no one searched or looked for them.


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As surely as I live, my flock has ·been caught [become prey] and eaten by all the wild animals, because the flock has no shepherd. The shepherds did not search for my flock. No, they fed themselves instead of my flock.


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This is what the Lord God says: [Look; Behold] I am against the shepherds. I will ·blame them for what has happened to my sheep [hold them accountable; demand my sheep from their hand] and will not let them tend the flock anymore. Then the shepherds will stop feeding themselves, and I will ·take [rescue] my flock from their mouths so they will no longer be their food.


text:
“‘This is what the Lord God says: I, myself, will search for my sheep and ·take care of [look after; or look for] them.


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As a shepherd ·take care of [looks after; or looks for] his scattered flock when ·it is found [or they are with him], I will ·take care of [look after; or look for] my sheep. I will ·save [rescue] them from all the places where they were scattered on a cloudy and dark day.


text:
I will bring them out from the nations and gather them from the countries. I will bring them to their own land and ·pasture [feed] them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines, and in all the places where people live in the land.


text:
I will feed them in a good pasture, and they will ·eat grass [graze] on the ·high mountains [mountain heights] of Israel. They will lie down on good ·ground where they eat grass [pasture], and they will eat in rich grassland on the mountains of Israel.


text:
I will search for the lost, bring back those that strayed away [], put bandages on those that were hurt, and make the weak strong. But I will destroy those sheep that are fat and strong. I will ·tend [shepherd; feed] the sheep with ·fairness [justice].


text:
“‘This is what the Lord God says: As for you, my flock, I will judge between one sheep and another, between the ·male sheep [rams] and the male goats [].


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Is it not enough for you to eat grass in the good ·land [pasture]? Must you ·crush [trample] the rest of the grass with your feet? Is it not enough for you to drink clear water? Must you make the rest of the water muddy with your feet?


text:
Must my flock eat what you ·crush [trample], and must they drink what you make muddy with your feet?


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“‘So this is what the Lord God says to them: [Look; Behold] I, myself, will judge between the fat sheep and the thin sheep.


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You push with your side and with your shoulder, and you ·knock down [butt; thrust at] all the weak sheep with your horns until you have ·forced them away [or scattered them abroad].


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So I will save my flock; they will ·not be hurt anymore [no longer be prey]. I will judge between one sheep and another.


text:
Then I will put over them one shepherd, my servant David [; ; ; ; the Messiah envisioned as a new David]. He will feed them and tend them and be their shepherd.


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Then I, the Lord, will be their God, and my servant David will be a ·ruler [prince] among them. I, the Lord, have spoken.


text:
“‘I will make an ·agreement [covenant; treaty] of peace with ·my sheep [them] and will remove ·harmful animals [wild beasts] from the land. Then the sheep will live safely in the ·desert [wilderness] and sleep in the woods.


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I will ·bless them and let them live around my hill [or make them and the regions around my hill a blessing]. I will cause ·the rains [showers] to come ·when it is time [in their season]; there will be showers to bless them.


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Also the trees ·in the countryside [of the field] will ·give [yield] their fruit, and the land will give its ·harvest [produce; increase]. And the sheep will ·be safe [live securely] on their land. Then they will know that I am the Lord when I break the bars of their ·captivity [yoke] and ·save [rescue] them from the ·power [hand] of those who made them slaves.


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They will not be ·led captive by [prey for] the nations again. The wild animals will not ·eat [devour] them, but they will live safely, and no one will make them afraid.


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I will give them a place famous for its good crops, so they will no longer ·suffer from hunger [be victims of famine] in the land. They will not suffer the insults of other nations anymore.


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Then they will know that I, the Lord their God, am with them. The nation [house] of Israel will know that they are my people, says the Lord God.


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You, my sheep, are the human sheep ·I care for [of my pasture; ; ], and I am your God, says the Lord God.’”


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Say to it: ‘This is what the Lord God says: I am against you, ·Edom [Mount Seir]. I will stretch out my hand against you and make you an ·empty desert [desolate waste].


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I will destroy your cities, and you will become ·empty [desolate]. Then you will know that I am the Lord.


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“‘You have ·always been an enemy of [shown perpetual/ancient hatred toward the sons of] Israel. You ·let them be defeated in war [gave them over to the hand of the sword] ·when they were in trouble [at the time of their disaster/calamity] at the time of their final punishment [].


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So the Lord God says, as surely as I live, I will ·let you be murdered [bring you bloodshed]. ·Murder [Bloodshed] will chase you. Since you did not hate ·murdering people [bloodshed; blood], ·murder [bloodshed; blood] will chase you.


text:
I will make ·Edom [Mount Seir] an ·empty ruin [desolate waste] and ·destroy [cut off] everyone who goes in or comes out of it.


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I will fill its mountains with those who are killed. Those killed ·in war [by the sword] will fall on your hills, in your valleys, and in all your ravines.


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I will make you a ·ruin forever [perpetual/eternal desolation]; no one will live in your cities. Then you will know that I am the Lord.


text:
“‘You said, “These two nations, Israel and Judah, and these two lands will be ours. We will take them for our ·own [possession].” But the Lord was there.


text:
So this is what the Lord God says: As surely as I live, I will treat you just as you treated them. You were angry and ·jealous [envious] because you hated them. So I will ·show the Israelites who I am [make myself known to them] when I ·punish [judge] you.


text:
Then you will know that I, the Lord, have heard all your insults against the mountains of Israel. You said, “They ·have been ruined [are desolate/laid waste]. They have been given to us to ·eat [devour].”


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You have ·not stopped your proud talk [exalted yourself against me and multiplied words] against me. I have heard you.


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This is what the Lord God says: All the earth will ·be happy [rejoice] when I make you an ·empty ruin [desolation].


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You ·were happy [rejoiced] when the ·land [inheritance of the house] of Israel was ·ruined [desolated], but I will do the same thing to you. Mount Seir and all Edom, you will become an ·empty ruin [desolation]. Then you will know that I am the Lord.’


text:
Israel to Come Home “·Human [Son of man; ], prophesy to the mountains of Israel and say: ‘Mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord.


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This is what the Lord God says: The enemy has said about you, “[Aha!] ·Now the old places to worship gods [The ancient heights] have become ·ours [our possession].”’


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So prophesy and say: ‘This is what the Lord God says: They have made you an ·empty ruin [desolation] and have crushed you from all around. So you became a possession of the ·other [rest of the] nations. People have ·talked [gossiped] and ·whispered [slandered] against you.


text:
So, mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord God. The Lord God speaks to the mountains, hills, ravines, and valleys, to the ·empty ruins [desolate wasteland] and abandoned cities that have ·been ·robbed [plundered] and ·laughed at [ridiculed; derided] by the other nations.


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This is what the Lord God says: I speak ·in hot anger [with burning zeal] against the other nations. I speak against the people of Edom, who took my land for themselves with joy and with ·hate [contempt] in their hearts. They ·forced out the people and took their pastureland [seized their pastureland as spoil].’


text:
So prophesy about the land of Israel and say to the mountains, hills, ravines, and valleys: ‘This is what the Lord God says: I speak in my jealous anger, because you have suffered the ·insults [scorn; reproach] of the nations.


text:
So this is what the Lord God says: I ·promise [vow] that the nations around you will also have to suffer ·insults [scorn; reproach].


text:
“‘But you, mountains of Israel, will grow branches and fruit for my people, who will soon come home.


text:
[Look; Behold] I am ·concerned about [for] you; I ·am on your side [will turn to you]. You will be plowed, and seed will be planted in you.


text:
I will increase the number of people who live on you, all the ·people [house] of Israel. The cities will ·have people living in them [be inhabited], and the ruins will be rebuilt.


text:
I will ·increase the number of people and animals living [multiply man and beast] on you. They will grow and ·have many young [be fruitful]. You will have people living on you as ·you did before [in former times], and I will make you better off than at the beginning. Then you will know that I am the Lord.


text:
I will cause my people Israel to ·walk [live] on you and ·own [possess] you, and you will ·belong to them [become their inheritance]. You will never again ·take their children away from them [bereave them of their children].


text:
“‘This is what the Lord God says: People say about you, “You ·eat [devour] people and ·take children [bereave children] from your nation.”


text:
But you will not ·eat [devour] people anymore or ·take away the [bereave your nation of] children, says the Lord God.


text:
I will not make you listen to ·insults [taunts] from the nations anymore; you will not ·suffer shame [endure scorn/disgrace] from them anymore. You will not cause your nation to ·fall [stumble] anymore, says the Lord God.’”


text:
“·Human [Son of man; ], when the ·nation [house] of Israel was living in their own land, they ·made it unclean [defiled it; ritually] by their ways and the things they did. Their ways were like ·a woman’s uncleanness in her time of monthly bleeding [menstrual impurity; ritually].


text:
So I poured out my anger against them, because they ·murdered in [shed blood on] the land and because they made the land ·unclean [defiled] with their idols.


text:
I scattered them among the nations, and they were ·spread [dispersed] through the countries. I ·punished [judged] them for how they lived and what they did.


text:
They ·dishonored [defiled; profaned; ritually] my holy name in the nations where they went. The nations said about them, ‘These are the people of the Lord, but they had to leave the land which he gave them.’


text:
But I had concern for my holy name, which the ·nation [house] of Israel had ·dishonored [defiled; profaned; ritually] among the nations where they went.


text:
“So say to the ·people [house] of Israel, ‘This is what the Lord God says: [house of] Israel, I am going to act, but not for your sake. I will do something to help my holy name, which you have ·dishonored [defiled; profaned; ritually] among the nations where you went.


text:
I will prove the holiness of my great name, which has been ·dishonored [defiled; profaned; ritually] among the nations. You have ·dishonored [defiled; profaned; ritually] it among these nations, but the nations will know that I am the Lord when I ·prove myself holy [vindicate my holiness] before their eyes, says the Lord God.


text:
“‘I will take you from the nations and gather you out of all the lands and bring you back into your own land.


text:
Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. I will cleanse you from all your uncleanness [ritual impurity] and your idols.


text:
Also, I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new ·way of thinking [spirit] inside you. I will ·take out [remove from you] ·the stubborn hearts of stone from your bodies [your heart of stone], and I will give you ·obedient hearts [a heart] of flesh.


text:
I will put my ·Spirit [or spirit] ·inside you [or among you; the pronoun is plural] and ·help you [cause you to] ·live by [walk in] my ·rules [statutes] and carefully obey my ·laws [rules; judgments].


text:
You will live in the land I gave to your ·ancestors [fathers], and you will be my people, and I will be your God.


text:
So I will save you from all your ·uncleanness [defilement; ritual]. I will ·command [summon; call for] the grain to ·come and grow [multiply]; I will not ·allow a time of hunger to hurt [bring famine upon] you.


text:
I will increase the harvest of fruit trees and the crops in the field so you will never again suffer ·shame [disgrace] among the nations because of ·hunger [famine].


text:
Then you will remember your evil ways and actions that were not good, and you will ·hate [loathe] yourselves because of your sins and your ·terrible acts that I hate [detestable/abominable acts].


text:
I want you to know that I am not going to do this for your sake, says the Lord God. Be ashamed and embarrassed about your ways, [house of] Israel.


text:
“‘This is what the Lord God says: This is what will happen on the day I cleanse you from all your sins: I will ·cause the cities to have people living in them again [repopulate/resettle your towns/cities], and the ·destroyed places [ruins] will be rebuilt.


text:
The ·empty [desolate] land will be plowed so it will no longer be a ·ruin [desolation] for everyone who passes by to see.


text:
They will say, “This land was ·ruined [desolate], but now it has become like the garden of Eden. The cities were destroyed, empty, and ruined, but now they are ·protected [fortified] and ·have people living in them [inhabited].”


text:
Then those nations still around you will know that I, the Lord, have rebuilt ·what was destroyed [the ruins] and have planted what was ·empty [desolate]. I, the Lord, have spoken, and I will do it.’


text:
“This is what the Lord God says: I will let myself be asked by the ·people [house] of Israel to do this for them again: I will ·make their people grow in number [multiply their people] like a flock.


text:
They will be as many as the flocks ·brought to Jerusalem during her holy feasts [for offerings]. Her ruined cities will be filled with flocks of people. Then they will know that I am the Lord.”


text:
The Vision of Dry Bones I felt the ·power [hand] of the Lord on me, and he brought me out by the ·Spirit [or spirit] of the Lord and put me down in the middle of a valley. It was full of bones.


text:
He led me around among the bones, and I saw that there were many bones in the valley and [look; behold] that they were very dry.


text:
Then he asked me, “·Human [Son of man; ], can these bones live?” I answered, “Lord God, only you know.”


text:
He said to me, “Prophesy ·to [over] these bones and say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord.


text:
This is what the Lord God says to the bones: I will cause breath to enter you so you will come to life.


text:
I will put ·muscles [tendons; sinews] on you and flesh on you and cover you with skin. Then I will put breath in you so you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord.’”


text:
So I prophesied as I was commanded. While I prophesied, there was a noise and a rattling. The bones came together, bone to bone.


text:
I looked and saw ·muscles [sinews; tendons] come on the bones, and flesh grew, and skin covered the bones. But there was no breath in them.


text:
Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the ·wind [breath; Spirit]. Prophesy, ·human [son of man; ], and say to the ·wind [breath; Spirit], ‘This is what the Lord God says: ·Wind [Breath; Spirit], come from the four winds, and breathe on these ·people who were killed [slain] so they can come back to life.’”


text:
So I prophesied as the Lord commanded me. And the ·breath [wind; Spirit] came into them, and they came to life and stood on their feet, a very large army.


text:
Then he said to me, “·Human [Son of man; ], these bones are like all the ·people [house] of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up, and our hope has ·gone [perished]. We are ·destroyed [cut off].’


text:
So, prophesy and say to them, ‘This is what the Lord God says: [Look; Behold] My people, I will open your graves and cause you to come up out of your graves. Then I will bring you into the land of Israel.


text:
My people, you will know that I am the Lord when I open your graves and cause you to come up from them.


text:
And I will put my ·Spirit [breath; wind] inside you, and you will come to life. Then I will ·put [settle] you in your own land. And you will know that I, the Lord, have spoken and ·done it [or will do it], says the Lord.’”


text:
“·Human [Son of man; ], take ·a [one] ·stick [branch] and write on it, ‘For Judah and all the Israelites with him.’ Then take another ·stick [branch] and write on it, ‘The ·stick [branch] of Ephraim, for Joseph and all the ·Israelites [house of Israel; the northern kingdom] with him.’


text:
say to them, ‘This is what the Lord God says: I will take the ·stick [branch] for Joseph and the tribes of Israel with him, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and I will put it with the ·stick [branch] of Judah. I will make them into one ·stick [branch], and they will be one in my hand [the northern and southern kingdoms will be united again; ; ; ; ; ].’


text:
Hold the sticks on which you wrote these names in your hand ·so the people can see them [before their eyes].


text:
Say to the people, ‘This is what the Lord God says: [Look; Behold] I am going to take the ·people [house] of Israel from among the nations where they have gone. I will gather them from all around and bring them into their own land.


text:
I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel. One king will rule all of them. They will never again be two nations; they will not be divided into two kingdoms anymore.


text:
They will not continue to ·make themselves unclean [defile themselves] by their idols, their ·statues of gods which I hate [detestable things], or by ·their sins [all their transgressions/offenses]. I will save them from all ·the ways they sin and turn against me [their backsliding/unfaithfulness/apostasies], and I will ·make them clean [purify them]. Then they will be my people, and I will be their God.


text:
“‘My servant David will be their king [], and they will all have one shepherd. They will ·live by [walk in] my ·laws [rules; judgments] and be careful to keep my ·rules [statutes].


text:
They will live on the land I gave to my servant Jacob, the land in which your ·ancestors [fathers] lived. They will all live on the land forever: they, their children, and their grandchildren. David my servant will be their king forever.


text:
I will make an ·agreement [covenant; treaty] of peace with them, an ·agreement that continues forever [everlasting covenant/treaty; ]. I will ·put them in their land [establish them] and ·make them grow in number [multiply them; ]. Then I will put my ·Temple [sanctuary] among them forever.


text:
·The place where I live [My dwelling place] will be with them. I will be their God, and they will be my people.


text:
When my ·Temple [sanctuary] is among them forever, the nations will know that I, the Lord, ·make Israel holy [sanctify Israel].’”


text:
“·Human [Son of man; ], ·look [turn your face] toward Gog of the land of Magog [], the chief ·ruler [prince] of the nations of Meshech and Tubal [two nations in northeast Asia Minor; ]. Prophesy against him


text:
and say, ‘The Lord God says this: [Look; Behold] I am against you, Gog, chief ·ruler [prince] of Meshech and Tubal.


text:
I will turn you around and put hooks in your jaws. And I will bring you out with all your army, horses, and horsemen, all of whom will be dressed in ·beautiful uniforms [or full armor]. They will be a ·large army [great horde/host] with large and small shields and all ·having [brandishing; wielding] swords.


text:
There will also be Gomer [people living north of the Black Sea; ; ] with all its ·troops [hordes] and the nation of Beth-Togarmah [; ] from the far north with all its troops—many nations with you.


text:
“‘Be prepared. Be prepared, you and all the ·armies [hosts; hordes] that have come together to ·make you their commander [or be a guard for them].


text:
After ·a long time [many days] you will be ·called for service [called to arms; mustered]. ·After those [In the latter] years you will come into a land that has been ·rebuilt [recovered; restored] from war. The people in the land will have been gathered from many nations to the mountains of Israel, which were ·empty [in ruins; a wasteland] for a long time. These people were brought out from the nations, and they will all be living in safety.


text:
You will ·come [advance] like a storm. You, all your troops, and the many nations with you will be like a cloud covering the land.


text:
“‘This is what the Lord God says: ·At that time [On that day] ideas will come into your mind, and you will ·think up [devise] an evil plan.


text:
You will say, “I will ·march [go up] against a land of towns without walls. I will ·attack [come to] those who are at rest and live in safety. All of them live without city walls or gate bars or gates.


text:
I will ·capture treasures [plunder] and take loot. I will turn my ·power [hand] against the ·rebuilt [resettled; inhabited] ruins that now have people living in them. ·I will attack […and] these people who have been gathered from the nations, who have become rich with ·farm animals [livestock] and ·property [goods], who live at the center of the world.”


text:
Sheba [], Dedan [], and the traders of Tarshish [], with all its ·villages [or warriors; young lions], will say to you, “Did you come to ·capture treasure [plunder]? Did you bring your troops together to take loot? Did you bring them to carry away silver and gold and to take away ·farm animals [livestock] and property?”’


text:
“So prophesy, ·human [son of man; ], and say to Gog, ‘This is what the Lord God says: ·Now [On the day] that my people Israel are living in safety, you will know about it.


text:
You will come with many people from your place in the ·far [or remote parts of the] north. You will have ·a large group [many nations/peoples] with you, a ·mighty army [great horde/host], all riding on horses.


text:
You will ·attack [come up against] my people Israel like a cloud that covers the land. This will happen in the ·days to come [latter days] when I bring you against my land. Gog, then the nations will ·know [acknowledge] me when ·they see me prove how holy I am [I vindicate my holiness] in what I do through you.


text:
“‘This is what the Lord God says: ·You are [Are you…?] the one about whom I spoke in ·past [former] days. I spoke through my servants, the prophets of Israel, who prophesied for many years that I would bring you against them.


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This is what will happen: On the day Gog ·attacks [comes against] the land of Israel, ·I will become very angry [my wrath/fury will mount up/be aroused], says the Lord God.


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With ·jealousy [zeal] and ·great anger [fiery wrath] I tell you that ·at that time [on that day] there will surely be a great earthquake in Israel.


text:
The fish of the sea, the birds of the ·sky [heavens], the wild ·animals [beasts], everything that crawls on the ground, and all the people on the earth will ·shake with fear [tremble; quake] before me. Also the mountains will be thrown down, the cliffs will fall, and every wall will fall to the ground.


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Then I will call for a ·war [sword] against Gog on all my mountains, says the Lord God. Everyone’s sword will ·attack the soldier next to him [be against his brother].


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I will ·punish [execute judgment on] Gog with ·disease [plague; pestilence] and ·death [bloodshed]. I will send a heavy rain with hailstones and ·burning sulfur [brimstone] on Gog, his ·army [hordes], and the many nations with him.


text:
Then I will show how great I am. I will show my holiness, and I will make myself known ·to the many nations that watch [in the eyes of many nations]. Then they will know that I am the Lord.’


text:
The Death of Gog and His Army “·Human [Son of man; ], prophesy against Gog and say, ‘This is what the Lord God says: I am against you, Gog, chief ·ruler [prince] of Meshech and Tubal [].


text:
I will turn you around and ·lead [drag; or drive] you. I will bring you from the ·far [remotest] north and send you to attack the mountains of Israel.


text:
I will knock your bow out of your left hand and ·throw down [make fall] your arrows from your right hand.


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You, all your troops, and the nations with you will fall dead on the mountains of Israel. I will let you be ·food for [devoured by] every bird ·that eats meat [of prey; ] and for every ·wild animal [beast of the field].


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You will ·lie fallen on the ground [fall in the open field], because I have spoken, says the Lord God.


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I will send fire on Magog and those who live in safety on the coastlands. Then they will know that I am the Lord.


text:
“‘I will make my holy name known among my people Israel, and I will not let my holy name be ·dishonored [defiled; profaned; ritually] anymore. Then the nations will know that I am the Lord, the Holy One in Israel.


text:
[Look; Behold] It is coming! It will happen, says the Lord God. The ·time [day] I talked about is coming.


text:
“‘Then those who live in the cities of Israel will come out and make fires with the enemy’s weapons. They will burn them, both large and small shields, bows and arrows, war clubs, and spears. They will use the weapons to burn in their fires for seven years.


text:
They will not need to take wood from the field or chop firewood from the forests, because they will make fires with the weapons. In this way they will ·take the treasures of [plunder] those who ·took their treasures [plundered them]; they will take the loot of those who took their loot, says the Lord God.


text:
“‘·At that time [On that day] I will give Gog a burial place in Israel, in the Valley of the Travelers, east of the Dead Sea. It will block the road for travelers. Gog and all his ·army [hordes; multitudes] will be buried there, so people will call it The Valley of ·Gog’s Army [Hamon-gog].


text:
“‘The ·people [house] of Israel will be burying them for seven months to ·make the land clean again [cleanse the land].


text:
All the people in the land will bury them, and ·they will be honored [or it will be a memorial for them; or their fame will spread] on the day ·of my victory [I display my glory; his manifest presence], says the Lord God.


text:
“‘The ·people [house] of Israel will ·choose [appoint] men to work through the land to ·make it clean [cleanse/purify it]. Along with others, they will bury ·Gog’s soldiers still [those] lying dead on the ground. After the seven months, they will ·still search [or begin their search].


text:
As they go through the land, anyone who sees a human bone is to put a ·marker [sign] by it. The sign will stay there until the gravediggers bury the bone in The Valley of ·Gog’s Army [Hamon-gog].


text:
A city will be there named Hamonah [perhaps a feminine form of Hamon-gog, meaning Army of Gog]. So they will ·make the land clean again [cleanse/purify the land].’


text:
“·Human [Son of man; ], this is what the Lord God says: Speak to every kind of bird and ·wild animal [all the beasts of the field]: ‘·Come [Assemble] together, come! ·Come together [Gather] from all around to my ·sacrifice [or slaughter], a great ·sacrifice [or slaughter] which I will prepare for you on the mountains of Israel. Eat flesh and drink blood []!


text:
You are to eat the flesh of the mighty and drink the blood of the ·rulers [princes] of the earth ·as if they were [all of them] fat animals from Bashan: ·male sheep [rams], lambs, goats, and bulls.


text:
You are to eat and drink from my sacrifice which I have prepared for you, eating fat until you are ·full [satisfied; glutted] and drinking blood until you are drunk.


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At my table you are to eat until you are full of horses and ·riders [or charioteers], ·mighty men [warriors] and all kinds of soldiers,’ says the Lord God.


text:
“I will ·show [display] my glory [manifest presence] among the nations. All the nations will see ·my power when I punish [the judgment I executed and the hand I laid on] them.


text:
The nations will know [the house of] Israel ·was taken away captive [went into exile] because they sinned and were unfaithful to me. So I ·turned away [hid my face] from them and handed them over to their enemies until all of them died ·in war [by the sword].


text:
Because of their uncleanness [ritual] and their ·sins [transgressions], I ·punished [dealt with] them and ·turned away [hid my face] from them.


text:
“So this is what the Lord God says: Now I will ·bring the people of Jacob back from captivity [restore the fortunes of Jacob], and I will have ·mercy [compassion] on the whole ·nation [house] of Israel. I will ·not let them dishonor me [be zealous/jealous for my holy name].


text:
The people will forget their shame and ·how they rejected [their unfaithfulness to] me when they live again in safety on their own land with no one to make them afraid.


text:
I will bring the people back from ·other lands [the nations/peoples] and gather them from the lands of their enemies. So I will use my people to ·show many nations that I am holy [display my holiness in the eyes of many nations.].


text:
Then my people will know that I am the Lord their God, because I sent them into ·captivity [exile] among the nations, but then I ·brought them back [gathered them] to their own land, leaving no one behind.


text:
I will not ·turn away [hide my face] from them anymore, because I will put my ·Spirit [or spirit] into the ·people [house] of Israel, says the Lord God [; ; ].”


text:
The New Temple It was the twenty-fifth year [since King Jehoiachin’s exile ()], at the beginning of the year, on the tenth day of the month [April 19, 573 bc]. It was in the fourteenth year after ·Jerusalem was captured [the city was struck down]. On that same day ·I felt the power of the Lord [the hand of the Lord was upon me], and he brought me to Jerusalem.


text:
In the visions of God he brought me to the land of Israel and put me down on a very high mountain. On the south of the mountain there were some buildings that looked like a city.


text:
He took me closer to the buildings, and ·I saw [look; behold] a man ·who looked as if he were made of [whose appearance was like] bronze, standing in the gateway. He had a cord made of linen and a stick in his hand, both for measuring.


text:
The man said to me, “·Human [Son of man; ], look with your eyes and hear with your ears. ·Pay attention to [Set your heart upon] all that I will show you, because that’s why you have been brought here. Tell the ·people [house] of Israel all that you see.”


text:
The East Gateway ·I saw [And look/behold] a wall that surrounded the ·Temple area [house]. The measuring ·stick [rod] in the man’s hand was ·ten and one-half feet long [six long cubits, each being a cubit and a handbreadth; a regular cubit was eighteen inches long; this long cubit was about twenty-one inches long]. So the man measured the wall, which was ·ten and one-half feet [six long cubits] thick and ·ten and one-half feet [one rod/stick] high.


text:
Then the man went to the east gateway. He went up its steps and measured the opening of the gateway. It was ·ten and one-half feet [one rod/stick; ] deep.


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The ·rooms for the guards [alcoves] were ·ten and one-half feet [one rod/stick] long and ·ten and one-half feet [one rod/stick] wide. ·The walls that came out between the guards’ rooms [Between the alcoves] were ·about nine feet [five cubits; ] thick. The ·opening [threshold] of the gateway next to the ·porch [portico] that faced the Temple was ·ten and one-half feet [one rod/stick] deep.


text:
It was ·about fourteen feet [eight cubits] deep, and its ·side walls [or jambs] were ·three and one-half feet [two cubits] thick. The ·porch [portico] of the gateway faced the Temple.


text:
On each side of the east gateway were three ·rooms [alcoves], which ·measured the same on each side [had the same measurement]. The ·walls between each room [dividing walls; or jambs] ·were the same thickness [or had the same measurement].


text:
The man measured the width of the entrance to the gateway, which was ·seventeen and one-half feet [ten cubits; ] wide. The ·width [or length] of the gate was ·about twenty-three feet [thirteen cubits].


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And there was a low ·wall [barrier] ·about twenty-one inches [one cubit] high in front of each ·room [alcove]. The ·rooms [alcoves] were ·ten and one-half feet [six cubits] on each side.


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The man measured the gateway from the roof of one ·room [alcove] to the roof of the opposite one. It was ·about forty-four feet [twenty-five cubits] from one door to the opposite door.


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The man also measured the ·porch [or jambs], which was ·about thirty-five feet [twenty cubits] wide. The courtyard was around the ·porch [or jamb; the meaning of this verse is uncertain].


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From the front of the ·outer side of the [entrance] gateway to the front of the porch of the ·inner side of the [inner] gateway was ·eighty-seven and one-half feet [fifty cubits].


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The ·rooms [alcoves] and porch had small windows on both sides. The windows were narrower on the side facing the gateway. Carvings of palm trees were on each side wall of the rooms.


text:
The Outer Courtyard Then the man brought me into the outer courtyard ·where I saw [and look/behold] rooms and a pavement of stones all around the court. Thirty rooms ·were along the edge of [faced] the paved walkway.


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The pavement ran alongside the gates and was as deep as the gates were wide. This was the lower pavement.


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Then the man measured from the ·outer wall [front of the lower gate] to the ·inner wall [exterior face of the inner court]. The outer court between these two walls was ·one hundred seventy-five feet [one hundred cubits] on the east and on the north.


text:
The North Gateway The man measured the length and width of the north gateway leading to the outer courtyard.


text:
Its three ·rooms [alcoves] on each side, its ·inner walls [or jambs], and its ·porch [portico] measured the same as the first gateway. It was ·eighty-seven and one-half feet [fifty cubits] long and ·forty-four feet [twenty-five cubits] wide.


text:
Its windows, ·porch [portico], and carvings of palm trees measured the same as the east gateway. Seven steps went up to the gateway, and the gateway’s ·porch [portico] was at the inner end.


text:
The inner courtyard had a gateway across from the northern gateway like the one on the east. The man measured it and found it was ·one hundred seventy-five feet [one hundred cubits] from inner gateway to outer gateway.


text:
The South Gateway Then the man led me south ·where I saw [and look/behold] a gateway facing south. He measured its ·inner walls [or jambs] and its ·porch [portico], and they measured the same as the other gateways.


text:
The gateway and its porch had windows all around like the other gateways. It was ·eighty-seven and one-half feet [fifty cubits] long and ·forty-four feet [twenty-five cubits] wide.


text:
Seven steps went up to this gateway. Its porch was at the inner end, and it had carvings of palm trees on its inner walls.


text:
The inner courtyard had a gateway on its south side. The man measured from gate to gate on the south side, which was ·one hundred seventy-five feet [one hundred cubits].


text:
The Inner Courtyard Then the man brought me through the south gateway into the inner courtyard. The inner south gateway measured the same as the gateways in the outer wall.


text:
The inner south gateway’s ·rooms [alcoves], ·inner walls [or jambs], and ·porch [portico] measured the same as the gateways in the outer wall. There were windows all around the gateway and its porch. The gateway was ·eighty-seven and one-half feet [fifty cubits] long and ·forty-four feet [twenty-five cubits] wide.


text:
Each porch of each inner gateway was ·about forty-four feet [twenty-five cubits] long and ·about nine feet [five cubits] wide.


text:
The inner south gateway’s ·porch [portico] faced the outer courtyard. Carvings of palm trees were on its ·side walls [or jambs], and its stairway had eight steps.


text:
The man brought me into the inner courtyard on the east side. He measured the inner east gateway, and it was the same as the other gateways.


text:
The inner east gateway’s ·rooms [alcoves], ·inside walls [or jambs], and ·porch [portico] measured the same as the other gateways. Windows were all around the gateway and its ·porch [portico]. The inner east gateway was ·eighty-seven and one-half feet [fifty cubits] long and ·forty-four feet [twenty-five cubits] wide.


text:
Its porch faced the outer courtyard. Carvings of palm trees were on its ·inner walls [or jambs] on each side, and its stairway had eight steps.


text:
Then the man brought me to the inner north gateway. He measured it, and it was the same as the other gateways.


text:
Its ·rooms [alcoves], ·inside walls [or jambs], and ·porch [portico] measured the same as the other gateways. There were windows all around the gateway, which was ·eighty-seven and one-half feet [fifty cubits] long and ·forty-four feet [twenty-five cubits] wide.


text:
Its ·porch [portico] faced the outer courtyard. Carvings of palm trees were on its inner walls on each side, and its stairway had eight steps.


text:
Rooms for Preparing Sacrifices There was a room with a door that opened onto the ·porch [portico] of the inner north gateway. ·In this room the priests washed animals for the burnt offerings […where the burnt offering was washed; ].


text:
There were two tables on each side of the ·porch [portico], on which animals for burnt offerings, ·sin [or purification] offerings [], and ·penalty [guilt; reparation] offerings [] were killed.


text:
Outside, by each side wall of the ·porch [portico], at the entrance to the north gateway, were two more tables.


text:
So there were four tables inside the gateway, and four tables outside. In all there were eight tables on which ·the priests killed animals for sacrifices [to slaughter].


text:
There were four tables made of cut stone for the burnt offering []. These tables were ·about three feet [a cubit and a half] long, ·three feet [a cubit and a half] wide, and ·about two feet [a cubit] high. On these tables the priests put their tools which they used to kill animals for burnt offerings and the other sacrifices.


text:
Double shelves ·three inches [one handbreadth] wide were put up on all the walls. The flesh for the offering was put on the tables.


text:
The Priests’ Rooms There were two rooms in the inner courtyard. One was beside the north gateway and faced south. The other room was beside the south gateway and faced north.


text:
The man said to me, “The room which faces south is for the priests who ·serve in [or guard; or have charge of] the Temple area,


text:
while the room that faces north is for the priests who ·serve at [or guard; or have charge of] the altar. This second group of priests are descendants of Zadok, the only descendants of Levi who can come near the Lord to ·serve [minister to] him.”


text:
The man measured the inner courtyard. It was a square—·one hundred seventy-five feet [one hundred cubits] long and ·one hundred seventy-five feet [one hundred cubits] wide. The altar was in front of the Temple.


text:
The Temple Porch The man brought me to the ·porch [portico] of the Temple and measured each ·side wall [or jamb] of the ·porch [portico]. Each was ·about nine feet [five cubits] thick. The doorway was ·twenty-four and one-half feet [fourteen cubits] wide. The side walls of the doorway were each ·about five feet [three cubits] wide.


text:
The ·porch [portico] was ·thirty-five feet [twenty cubits] long and ·twenty-one feet [twelve cubits] wide, with ten steps leading up to it. Pillars were by the ·side walls [or jambs], one on each side of the entrance.


text:
The Holy Place of the Temple The man brought me to the ·Holy Place [outer sanctuary; main hall] and measured its ·side walls [or jambs], which were each ·ten and one-half feet [six cubits] thick.


text:
The entrance was ·seventeen and one-half feet [ten cubits] wide. The walls alongside the entrance were each ·about nine feet wide [five cubits]. The man measured the ·Holy Place [outer sanctuary; main hall], which was ·seventy feet [forty cubits] long and ·thirty-five feet [twenty cubits] wide.


text:
Then the man went ·inside [into the inner sanctuary] and measured the ·side walls [or jambs] of the next doorway. Each was ·three and one-half feet [two cubits] thick. The doorway was ·ten and one-half feet [six cubits] wide, and the walls next to it were each more than ·twelve [seven cubits] feet thick.


