15-16 “‘And now, you—what have you done? First you turned back to the right way and did the right thing, decreeing freedom for your brothers and sisters—and you made it official in a solemn covenant in my Temple. And then you turned right around and broke your word, making a mockery of both me and the covenant, and made them all slaves again, these men and women you’d just set free. You forced them back into slavery.

17-20 “‘So here is what I, God, have to say: You have not obeyed me and set your brothers and sisters free. Here is what I’m going to do: I’m going to set you free—God’s Decree—free to get killed in war or by disease or by starvation. I’ll make you a spectacle of horror. People all over the world will take one look at you and shudder. Everyone who violated my covenant, who didn’t do what was solemnly promised in the covenant ceremony when they split the young bull into two halves and walked between them, all those people that day who walked between the two halves of the bull—leaders of Judah and Jerusalem, palace officials, priests, and all the rest of the people—I’m handing the lot of them over to their enemies who are out to kill them. Their dead bodies will be carrion food for vultures and stray dogs.

Read full chapter

Bible Gateway Recommends

The Message New Testament: Mass Market
The Message New Testament: Mass Market
Retail: $7.99
Our Price: $6.99
Save: $1.00 (13%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
The Message Deluxe Gift Bible, Black/Slate Leather-Look
The Message Deluxe Gift Bible, Black/Slate Leather-Look
Retail: $19.99
Our Price: $15.99
Save: $4.00 (20%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
The Message New Testament with Psalms and Proverbs - eBook
The Message New Testament with Psalms and Proverbs - eBook
Retail: $9.99
Our Price: $7.49
Save: $2.50 (25%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
The Message Gift and Award Bible, Softcover, Coral
The Message Gift and Award Bible, Softcover, Coral
Retail: $7.99
Our Price: $6.99
Save: $1.00 (13%)
2.0 of 5.0 stars
Message Slimline Bible--soft leather-look, brown/pink
Message Slimline Bible--soft leather-look, brown/pink
Retail: $39.99
Our Price: $21.99
Save: $18.00 (45%)
3.5 of 5.0 stars