16 This is what the Lord says:
“Stand by the ways and see and ask for the (A)ancient paths,
Where the good way is, and walk in it;
Then (B)you will find a resting place for your souls.
But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’
17 And I set (C)watchmen over you, saying,
‘Listen to the sound of the trumpet!’
But they said, ‘We will not listen.’
18 Therefore hear, you nations,
And know, you congregation, what is among them.
19 (D)Hear, earth: behold, I am bringing disaster on this people,
The (E)fruit of their [a]plans,
Because they have not listened to My words,
And as for My Law, they have (F)rejected it also.
20 (G)For what purpose does (H)frankincense come to Me from Sheba,
And the [b](I)sweet cane from a distant land?
(J)Your burnt offerings are not acceptable
And your sacrifices are not pleasing to Me.”
21 Therefore, this is what the Lord says:
“Behold, (K)I am [c]placing stumbling blocks before this people.
And they will stumble against them,
(L)Fathers and sons together;
Neighbor and [d]friend will perish.”

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Footnotes

  1. Jeremiah 6:19 Or devices
  2. Jeremiah 6:20 Lit good
  3. Jeremiah 6:21 Lit giving
  4. Jeremiah 6:21 Lit his friend

Disaster because of Disobedience

16 This is what the Lord says:

Stand by the roadways and look.
Ask about the ancient paths:(A)
Which is the way to what is good?
Then take it
and find rest for yourselves.(B)
But they protested, “We won’t!”
17 I appointed watchmen over you(C)
and said: Listen for the sound of the ram’s horn.
But they protested, “We won’t listen!”

18 Therefore listen, you nations
and you witnesses,
learn what the charge is against them.
19 Listen, earth!
I am about to bring disaster on these people,
the fruit of their own plotting,(D)
for they have paid no attention to My word.
They have rejected My instruction.(E)
20 What use to Me is frankincense from Sheba(F)
or sweet cane(G) from a distant land?
Your burnt offerings are not acceptable;
your sacrifices do not please Me.(H)
21 Therefore, this is what the Lord says:
I am going to place stumbling blocks before these people;
fathers and sons together will stumble over them;(I)
friends and neighbors will also perish.

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