Jeremiah 21 :: New International Version (NIV)

TOOLSJer 21:2“Inquire now of the LORD for us because Nebuchadnezzar[fn] king of Babylon is attacking us. Perhaps the LORD will perform wonders for us as in times past so that he will withdraw from us.”

TOOLSJer 21:3But Jeremiah answered them, “Tell Zedekiah,

TOOLSJer 21:4‘This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: I am about to turn against you the weapons of war that are in your hands, which you are using to fight the king of Babylon and the Babylonians[fn] who are outside the wall besieging you. And I will gather them inside this city.

TOOLSJer 21:5I myself will fight against you with an outstretched hand and a mighty arm in furious anger and in great wrath.

TOOLSJer 21:6I will strike down those who live in this city—both man and beast—and they will die of a terrible plague.

TOOLSJer 21:7After that, declares the LORD, I will give Zedekiah king of Judah, his officials and the people in this city who survive the plague, sword and famine, into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and to their enemies who want to kill them. He will put them to the sword; he will show them no mercy or pity or compassion.’

TOOLSJer 21:8“Furthermore, tell the people, ‘This is what the LORD says: See, I am setting before you the way of life and the way of death.

TOOLSJer 21:9Whoever stays in this city will die by the sword, famine or plague. But whoever goes out and surrenders to the Babylonians who are besieging you will live; they will escape with their lives.

TOOLSJer 21:10I have determined to do this city harm and not good, declares the LORD. It will be given into the hands of the king of Babylon, and he will destroy it with fire.’

TOOLSJer 21:11“Moreover, say to the royal house of Judah, ‘Hear the word of the LORD.

TOOLSJer 21:12This is what the LORD says to you, house of David: “ ‘Administer justice every morning; rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed, or my wrath will break out and burn like fire because of the evil you have done— burn with no one to quench it.

TOOLSJer 21:13I am against you, Jerusalem, you who live above this valley on the rocky plateau, declares the LORD— you who say, “Who can come against us? Who can enter our refuge?”

TOOLSJer 21:14I will punish you as your deeds deserve, declares the LORD. I will kindle a fire in your forests that will consume everything around you.’ ”