¹⁴ This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: I will put an iron yoke^(A) on the necks of all these nations to make them serve^(B) Nebuchadnezzar^(C) king of Babylon, and they will serve him. I will even give him control over the wild animals.^(D)’”

¹¹ But if any nation will bow its neck under the yoke^(A) of the king of Babylon and serve him, I will let that nation remain in its own land to till it and to live^(B) there, declares the Lord.”’”

¹² I gave the same message to Zedekiah king of Judah. I said, “Bow your neck under the yoke^(C) of the king of Babylon; serve him and his people, and you will live.^(D)

⁸ “‘“If, however, any nation or kingdom will not serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon or bow its neck under his yoke, I will punish^(A) that nation with the sword,^(B) famine^(C) and plague,^(D) declares the Lord, until I destroy it by his hand.

⁴⁸ therefore in hunger and thirst,^(A) in nakedness and dire poverty, you will serve the enemies the Lord sends against you. He will put an iron yoke^(B) on your neck^(C) until he has destroyed you.

¹⁰ Now then, why do you try to test God^(A) by putting on the necks of Gentiles a yoke^(B) that neither we nor our ancestors have been able to bear?

²⁹ Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,^(A) for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.^(B)