8 Now go to them and write it on a tablet—

≈ inscribe it on a scroll

so that it’ll be there for a future day—

≈ something that’ll endure forever

9 because this is a rebellious nation.

They’re lying children—unwilling to listen to Yahweh’s instructions,

10 who tell those who see visions, “Don’t see.”

And tell the prophets, “Don’t show us ‘what’s right’—

Just flatter us and give us deceptive messages.”

11 Turn off the road.

≈ Go on a different path.

Keep Yisrael’s holy one away from us.

12 Therefore Yisrael’s holy one says,

“Because you’ve all rejected this message

and have trusted in oppression and perversion and depended on it,

13 then that disobedience will become your downfall,

→ like a bulge in a high wall that will at some unexpected time, suddenly come smashing down.

14 It’ll be like the smashing of a clay jar—completely shattered.

Among the fragments, a person wouldn’t be able to find a piece big enough to pick up a hot coal from the fire,

≈ or to dip some water out of a cistern to drink.”

15 So this is what Yisrael’s holy one says,

“You’ll all be saved by returning and quietly waiting.

Your strength will come from quietness and confidence,

→ but you all weren’t willing.

16 You all said, ‘Nah, we’ll flee away on horses,’

and indeed you all will flee,

and you said, ‘We’ll ride on swift horses,’

but those who chase after you all will prove to be swifter.

17 A thousand will flee from the threat of just one.

≈ You’ll all flee from the threat of five of the enemy

until you’re left like a lone flagstaff on the top of a mountain

≈ or like a banner poked into a hill.”