Because she took her prostitution so lightly, she defiled the land through her adulterous worship of gods made of wood and stone.

Fast runners will find no place to hide; strong men will have no strength left; warriors will not be able to save their lives.

But Jacob took fresh-cut branches from poplar, almond, and plane trees. He made white streaks by peeling them, making the white inner wood in the branches visible.

Later the Lord asked me, “What do you see, Jeremiah?” I answered, “I see a branch of an almond tree.”

Mourn for that nation, all you nations living around it, all of you nations that know of its fame. Mourn and say, ‘Alas, its powerful influence has been broken! Its glory and power have been done away!’