1469 - Jeremiah 4 part 1

Jeremiah Chapter 4 part 1


“O Israel,” says the Lord, “if you wanted to return to me, you could.


You could throw away your detestable idols, and stray away no more.


Then, when you swear by my name, saying:

‘As surely as the Lord lives,’

…you could do so, with truth, justice, and righteousness.


Then, you would be a blessing, to all the nations of the world, and all people would come, and praise my name.”


This is what the Lord says, to the people of Judah and Jerusalem:


“Plow the hard ground, of your hearts!


Do not waste your good seed, among thorns.


O people of Judah and Jerusalem, surrender your pride, and your power.


Change your hearts, before the Lord, …or my anger will burn, like an unquenchable fire, because of all your sins.


“Shout to Judah, and broadcast to Jerusalem!


Tell them to sound the alarm, throughout the land:


‘Run for your lives!


Flee, to the fortified cities!’


Raise a signal flag, as a warning for Jerusalem:


‘Flee now! …Do not delay!’


For, I am bringing terrible destruction, upon you, from the north.”


A lion stalks from its den, a destroyer of nations.


It has left its lair, and is headed your way.


It’s going to devastate your land!


Your towns will lie in ruins, with no one living in them, anymore.


So, put on clothes of mourning,

and weep, with broken hearts,

for the fierce anger, of the Lord,

is still upon us.


“In that day,” says the Lord, “the king, and the officials, will tremble, in fear.


The priests will be struck with horror, and the prophets will be appalled.”


Then, I said, “O Sovereign Lord,

the people have been deceived, by what you said, for you promised peace, for Jerusalem.


But the sword is held, at their throats!”


The time is coming, when the Lord will say, to the people, of Jerusalem:


“My dear people, a burning wind is blowing in, from the desert, and it’s not a gentle breeze, that is useful for winnowing grain.


It is a roaring blast, sent by me!


Now, I will pronounce your destruction!”


Our enemy rushes down on us, like storm clouds!


His chariots are… like whirlwinds.


His horses …are swifter, than eagles.


How terrible it will be, for we are doomed!


O Jerusalem, cleanse your heart, so that you may be saved.


How long will you harbor …your evil thoughts?


Your destruction has been announced, …from Dan, and from the hill country of Ephraim.


“Warn the surrounding nations, and announce this, to Jerusalem:


The enemy is coming, from a distant land, raising a battle cry, against the towns of Judah.


They surround Jerusalem, like watchmen …around a field, because my people have rebelled, against me,” says the Lord.


“Your own actions have brought this upon you.


This punishment is bitter, piercing you, to the heart!”


The Holy Bible 

New Living Translation 


Jeremiah 4:1–18


Praise be to God!


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