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

The Fall of Jerusalem^(A)(B)

¹⁵ The Lord, the God of their ancestors, sent word to them through his messengers^(C) again and again,^(D) because he had pity on his people and on his dwelling place.

Instructions for Christian Living

¹⁷ So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer^(A) live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking.^(B)

⁹ Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know^(A) what the king who will reign over them will claim as his rights.”

²¹ Pay attention to him and listen^(A) to what he says. Do not rebel against him; he will not forgive^(B) your rebellion,^(C) since my Name^(D) is in him. ²² If you listen carefully to what he says and do^(E) all that I say, I will be an enemy^(F) to your enemies and will oppose those who oppose you.

²⁶ He said, “If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep^(A) all his decrees,^(B) I will not bring on you any of the diseases^(C) I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals^(D) you.”

¹² Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ^(A) to settle down and earn the food they eat.^(B)

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 And though the Lord has sent all his servants the prophets^(A) to you again and again, you have not listened or paid any attention.^(B)