17 Groan quietly;(A) do not mourn for the dead. Keep your turban(B) fastened and your sandals(C) on your feet; do not cover your mustache and beard(D) or eat the customary food of mourners.(E)

18 So I spoke to the people in the morning, and in the evening my wife died. The next morning I did as I had been commanded.(F)

19 Then the people asked me, “Won’t you tell us what these things have to do with us?(G) Why are you acting like this?”

20 So I said to them, “The word of the Lord came to me: 21 Say to the people of Israel, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am about to desecrate my sanctuary(H)—the stronghold in which you take pride,(I) the delight of your eyes,(J) the object of your affection. The sons and daughters(K) you left behind will fall by the sword.(L) 22 And you will do as I have done. You will not cover your mustache and beard(M) or eat the customary food of mourners.(N)

Read full chapter

Bible Gateway Recommends