³ For twenty-three years—from the thirteenth year of Josiah^(A) son of Amon king of Judah until this very day—the word of the Lord has come to me and I have spoken to you again and again,^(B) but you have not listened.^(C)

⁴ And though the Lord has sent all his servants the prophets^(D) to you again and again, you have not listened or paid any attention.^{(E) 5} They said, “Turn^(F) now, each of you, from your evil ways and your evil practices, and you can stay in the land^(G) the Lord gave to you and your ancestors for ever and ever.

¹³ While you were doing all these things, declares the Lord, I spoke^(A) to you again and again,^(B) but you did not listen;^(C) I called^(D) you, but you did not answer.^(E)

⁷ From the time I brought your ancestors up from Egypt until today, I warned them again and again,^(A) saying, “Obey me.”

¹⁵ Again and again I sent all my servants the prophets^(A) to you. They said, “Each of you must turn^(B) from your wicked ways and reform^(C) your actions; do not follow other gods^(D) to serve them. Then you will live in the land^(E) I have given to you and your ancestors.” But you have not paid attention or listened^(F) to me.

⁴ Again and again^(A) I sent my servants the prophets,^(B) who said, ‘Do not do this detestable^(C) thing that I hate!’

²³ Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.^(A)

God’s Answer