16 I'll pronounce my judgment on the people of Judah for walking out on me--what a terrible thing to do!-- And courting other gods with their offerings, worshiping as gods sticks they'd carved, stones they'd painted.

17 "But you--up on your feet and get dressed for work! Stand up and say your piece. Say exactly what I tell you to say. Don't pull your punches or I'll pull you out of the lineup.

18 "Stand at attention while I prepare you for your work. I'm making you as impregnable as a castle, Immovable as a steel post, solid as a concrete block wall. You're a one-man defense system against this culture, Against Judah's kings and princes, against the priests and local leaders.