Get out of Babylonia quickly, you foreign people. Flee to save your lives. Do not let yourselves be killed because of her sins. For it is time for the Lord to wreak his revenge. He will pay Babylonia back for what she has done.

Be amazed at this, O heavens! Be shocked and utterly dumbfounded,” says the Lord.

Even the soldiers from Memphis and Tahpanhes have cracked your skulls, people of Israel.

“Oh people of Jerusalem, purify your hearts from evil so that you may yet be delivered. How long will you continue to harbor up wicked schemes within you?

“I looked at the land and saw that it was an empty wasteland. I looked up at the sky, and its light had vanished.

They are like lusty, well-fed stallions. Each of them lusts after his neighbor’s wife.

I reported, “All of them are the most stubborn of rebels! They are as hard as bronze or iron. They go about telling lies. They all deal corruptly.

The Lord says, “Watch out! The time is soon coming when I will punish all those who are circumcised only in the flesh.

I will give away your wealth and your treasures as plunder. I will give it away free of charge for the sins you have committed throughout your land.

My blessing is on those people who trust in me, who put their confidence in me.

The human mind is more deceitful than anything else. It is incurably bad. Who can understand it?

So I went down to the potter’s house and found him working at his wheel.

Cursed be the day I was born! May that day not be blessed when my mother gave birth to me.

The Lord says, “The leaders of my people are sure to be judged. They were supposed to watch over my people like shepherds watch over their sheep. But they are causing my people to be destroyed and scattered.

The Lord says, “I saw the prophets of Samaria doing something that was disgusting. They prophesied in the name of the god Baal and led my people Israel astray.

Each of you should merely ask the prophet, ‘What answer did the Lord give you? Or what did the Lord say?’

When you seek me in prayer and worship, you will find me available to you. If you seek me with all your heart and soul,

Moreover, the Lord says to the people of Zion, “Your injuries are incurable; your wounds are severe.

For the Lord will rescue the descendants of Jacob. He will secure their release from those who had overpowered them.

I will provide the priests with abundant provisions. My people will be filled to the full with the good things I provide.”