Jeremiah 21:3-7

New International Reader's Version

³ But Jeremiah answered them, “Tell Zedekiah and his people, ⁴ ‘The Lord is the God of Israel. He says, “The king of Babylon and his armies are all around this city. They are getting ready to attack you. You have weapons of war in your hands to fight against them. But I am about to turn your weapons against you. And I will bring your enemies inside this city. ⁵ I myself will fight against you. I will reach out my powerful hand and mighty arm. I will come against you with all my great anger. ⁶ I will strike down those who live in this city. I will kill people and animals alike. They will die of a terrible plague. ⁷ After that, I will hand you over to your enemies. They want to kill you,” announces the Lord. “I will hand over Zedekiah, the king of Judah, and his officials. I will also hand over the people in this city who live through the plague, war and hunger. All of them will be handed over to Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon. He will kill them with swords. He will show them no mercy. He will not feel sorry for them. In fact, he will not have any concern for them at all.” ’