5-6 I listened as he went on to address the executioners: “Follow him through the city and kill. Feel sorry for no one. Show no compassion. Kill old men and women, young men and women, mothers and children. But don’t lay a hand on anyone with the mark. Start at my Temple.”

They started with the leaders in front of the Temple.

7-8 He told the executioners, “Desecrate the Temple. Fill it with corpses. Then go out and continue the killing.” So they went out and struck the city.

While the massacre went forward, I was left alone. I fell on my face in prayer: “Oh, oh, God, my Master! Are you going to kill everyone left in Israel in this pouring out of your anger on Jerusalem?”

Read full chapter

Bible Gateway Recommends

The Message Large-Print Devotional Bible--soft leather-look, brown
The Message Large-Print Devotional Bible--soft leather-look, brown
Retail: $49.99
Our Price: $36.98
Save: $13.01 (26%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
The Message One Year Chronological Bible--softcover
The Message One Year Chronological Bible--softcover
Retail: $24.99
Our Price: $19.99
Save: $5.00 (20%)
The Message Student Bible (Hardcover)
The Message Student Bible (Hardcover)
Retail: $34.99
Our Price: $25.78
Save: $9.21 (26%)
The Message//REMIX - eBook
The Message//REMIX - eBook
Retail: $14.99
Our Price: $10.82
Save: $4.17 (28%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars