Study Desk

Early in the reign of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah, this word came from the LORD :

"This is what the LORD says: Stand in the courtyard of the LORD's house and speak to all the people of the towns of Judah who come to worship in the house of the LORD . Tell them everything I command you; do not omit a word.

Perhaps they will listen and each will turn from his evil way. Then I will relent and not bring on them the disaster I was planning because of the evil they have done.

Say to them, 'This is what the LORD says: If you do not listen to me and follow my law, which I have set before you,

and if you do not listen to the words of my servants the prophets, whom I have sent to you again and again (though you have not listened),

then I will make this house like Shiloh and this city an object of cursing among all the nations of the earth.' "