The Fall of Jerusalem^(A)(B)

¹⁵ The Lord, the God of their ancestors, sent word to them through his messengers^(C) again and again,^(D) because he had pity on his people and on his dwelling place. ¹⁶ But they mocked God’s messengers, despised his words and scoffed^(E) at his prophets until the wrath^(F) of the Lord was aroused against his people and there was no remedy.^(G)

¹³ While you were doing all these things, declares the Lord, I spoke^(A) to you again and again,^(B) but you did not listen;^(C) I called^(D) you, but you did not answer.^(E)

¹¹ For as a belt is bound around the waist, so I bound all the people of Israel and all the people of Judah to me,’ declares the Lord, ‘to be my people for my renown^(A) and praise and honor.^(B) But they have not listened.’^(C)

³ For twenty-three years—from the thirteenth year of Josiah^(A) son of Amon king of Judah until this very day—the word of the Lord has come to me and I have spoken to you again and again,^(B) but you have not listened.^(C)

⁵ and if you do not listen to the words of my servants the prophets, whom I have sent to you again and again (though you have not listened^(A)),