Therefore, listen to the Lord’s word, you who mock, you rulers of these people who reside in Jerusalem!

Now listen to what the Lord has to say, you descendants of Jacob, all you family groups from the nation of Israel.

The people cry out, “We have heard reports about them! We have become helpless with fear! Anguish grips us, agony like that of a woman giving birth to a baby!

But your ancestors did not listen to me nor pay attention to me. They became obstinate and were more wicked than even their own forefathers.’”

You people of Israel, listen to what the Lord has to say to you.

“Hear the terms of the covenant I made with Israel and pass them on to the people of Judah and the citizens of Jerusalem.

‘So pay attention to what I, the Lord, have said, all you exiles whom I have sent to Babylon from Jerusalem.’

They went on to Egypt because they refused to obey the Lord, and came to Tahpanhes.

But the people of Jerusalem and Judah would not listen or pay any attention. They would not stop the wickedness they were doing nor quit sacrificing to other gods.

My God will reject them, for they have not obeyed him; so they will be fugitives among the nations.

Listen and warn the family of Jacob! The sovereign Lord, the God who commands armies, is speaking!

Listen to this funeral song I am ready to sing about you, family of Israel:

I will angrily seek vengeance on the nations that do not obey me.”

Listen! The Lord is calling to the city! It is wise to respect your authority, O Lord! Listen, O nation, and those assembled in the city!

“‘It then came about that just as I cried out, but they would not obey, so they will cry out, but I will not listen,’ the Lord Lord who rules over all had said.

This happened because they did not obey the Lord their God and broke his agreement with them. They did not pay attention to and obey all that Moses, the Lord’s servant, had commanded.

And you solemnly admonished them in order to return them to your law, but they behaved presumptuously and did not obey your commandments. They sinned against your ordinances – those by which an individual, if he obeys them, will live. They boldly turned from you; they rebelled and did not obey.

ש (Sin/Shin) They have heard that I groan, yet there is no one to comfort me. All my enemies have heard of my trouble; they are glad that you have brought it about. Bring about the day of judgment that you promised so that they may end up like me!

They got their gifts ready for Joseph’s arrival at noon, for they had heard that they were to have a meal there.

Moses told this to the Israelites, but they did not listen to him because of their discouragement and hard labor.