2-4. “Preach to the people of Judah and citizens of Jerusalem. Tell them this: ‘This is God’s Message, the Message of Israel’s God to you. Anyone who does not keep the terms of this covenant is cursed. The terms are clear. I made them plain to your ancestors when I delivered them from Egypt, out of the iron furnace of suffering.
18-19. God told me what was going on. That’s how I knew.You, God, opened my eyes to their evil scheming.I had no idea what was going on—naive as a lambbeing led to slaughter!I didn’t know they had it in for me,didn’t know of their behind-the-scenes plots:“Let’s get rid of the preacher.That will stop the sermons!Let’s get rid of him for good.He won’t be remembered for long.”
20. Then I said, “God-of-the-Angel-Armies,you’re a fair judge.You examine and cross-examinehuman actions and motives.I want to see these people shown up and put down!I’m an open book before you. Clear my name.”
21-23. That sent a signal to God, who spoke up: “Here’s what I’ll do to the men of Anathoth who are trying to murder you, the men who say, ‘Don’t preach to us in God’s name or we’ll kill you.’ Yes, it’s God-of-the-Angel-Armies speaking. Indeed! I’ll call them to account: Their young people will die in battle, their children will die of starvation, and there will be no one left at all, none. I’m visiting the men of Anathoth with doom. Doomsday!”