Why is the land burned and destroyed, left like an uninhabited wilderness? Who is wise enough to understand this? Who is the prophet with a word from Yahweh to explain it?
A joyous blessing rests upon the one who reads this message and upon those who hear and embrace the words of this prophecy, for the appointed time is in your hands.
You will feel better when you see their evil way of life and actions, for then you will realize that I had a good reason to do what I did. I, Lord Yahweh, have spoken.”
The land is full of people unfaithful to him; they lead wicked lives and misuse their power. Because of a curse, the land is in mourning, and the pastures of the wilderness have dried up.
So I, Yahweh, Commander of Angel Armies, say: Ignore what those prophets prophesy to you; they are deluding you and imagining visions of their own, and not what comes from the mouth of Yahweh.
Had they been present in my divine council and heard my words, they would have proclaimed my words to my people and caused them to turn from their evil ways and their wicked deeds.
Let the prophet who has a dream tell the dream, but let the one who has my word speak my word faithfully. For what do straw and grain have in common?” declares Yahweh.