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)