1. The Lord said:Jeremiah, go to the pottery shop and buy a clay jar. Then take along some of the city officials and leading priests
2. and go to Hinnom Valley, just outside Potsherd Gate. Tell the people that I have said:
3. I am the Lord All-Powerful, the God of Israel, and you kings of Judah and you people of Jerusalem had better pay attention. I am going to bring so much trouble on this valley that everyone who hears about it will be shocked.
6. So watch out! Some day this place will no longer be called Topheth or Hinnom Valley. It will be called Slaughter Valley!
7. You people of Judah and Jerusalem may have big plans, but here in this valley I'll ruin those plans. I'll let your enemies kill you, and I'll tell the birds and wild animals to eat your dead bodies.
8. I will turn Jerusalem into a pile of rubble, and every passer-by will be shocked and horrified and will make insulting remarks.
9. And while your enemies are trying to break through your city walls to kill you, the food supply will run out. You will become so hungry that you will eat the flesh of your friends and even of your own children.
10. Jeremiah, as soon as you have said this, smash the jar while the people are watching.