Suddenly he went after her like an ox that goes to the slaughter, like a stag prancing into a trapper’s snare

It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to crave strong drink,

Do not go out into the countryside. Do not travel on the roads. For the enemy is there with sword in hand. They are spreading terror everywhere.”

Then Zedekiah told Jeremiah, “Do not let anyone know about the conversation we have had. If you do, you will die.

“Judgment will come on the cities on the high plain: on Holon, Jahzah, and Mephaath,

The Lord spoke concerning Babylon and the land of Babylonia through the prophet Jeremiah.

I will bring you into the wilderness of the nations, and there I will enter into judgment with you face to face.

Its porches faced the outer court, and decorative palm trees were on its jambs, and its stairway had eight steps.

They will enter my sanctuary, and approach my table to minister to me; they will keep my charge.

Don’t spread the news in Gath! Don’t shed even a single tear! In Beth Leaphrah sit in the dust!

Do not rely on a friend; do not trust a companion! Don’t even share secrets with the one who lies in your arms!

On that day they will say to Jerusalem, “Don’t be afraid, Zion! Your hands must not be paralyzed from panic!

You must not oppress the widow, the orphan, the foreigner, or the poor, nor should anyone secretly plot evil against his fellow human being.’

Then God spoke to Noah and said,

He said, “No, my brothers! Don’t act so wickedly!

But Lot said to them, “No, please, Lord!

Reuben continued, “Don’t shed blood! Throw him into this cistern that is here in the wilderness, but don’t lay a hand on him.” (Reuben said this so he could rescue Joseph from them and take him back to his father.)

He imprisoned them all for three days.

Then the Lord said to Moses,

Moses went out from Pharaoh and prayed to the Lord,