Then Jeremiah defended himself before all the leaders and the people, saying, “Yahweh himself sent me to prophesy this message you have heard me speak against this temple and this city.
Only be sure of this: if you put me to death, you will be bringing innocent blood on yourselves, on this city, and on its people, since Yahweh has truly sent me to bring you the warning you have heard.”
Yahweh said to me, “Stand in the court of my house, the temple, and announce what I tell you to say to the crowds coming to worship me from the cities of Judah. Do not leave out anything or hold back a word.
And when they ask, ‘Why these groans?’ reply, ‘Because of what I’ve heard is about to happen. Every heart will melt with fear, and every hand grow limp. Everyone will faint with fright and wet themselves. Behold, it is coming now! It is here!’ I, Lord Yahweh, have spoken.”