Jeremiah 7:24-34

New International Version

²⁴But they did not listen^(A) or pay attention;^(B) instead, they followed the stubborn inclinations of their evil hearts.^(C) They went backward^(D) and not forward. ²⁵From the time your ancestors left Egypt until now, day after day, again and again^(E) I sent you my servants^(F) the prophets.^(G) ²⁶But they did not listen to me or pay attention.^(H) They were stiff-necked^(I) and did more evil than their ancestors.’^(J)

²⁷“When you tell^(K) them all this, they will not listen^(L) to you; when you call to them, they will not answer.^(M) ²⁸Therefore say to them, ‘This is the nation that has not obeyed the Lord its God or responded to correction.^(N) Truth^(O) has perished; it has vanished from their lips.

²⁹“‘Cut off^(P) your hair and throw it away; take up a lament^(Q) on the barren heights, for the Lord has rejected and abandoned^(R) this generation that is under his wrath.

The Valley of Slaughter

³⁰“‘The people of Judah have done evil^(S) in my eyes, declares the Lord. They have set up their detestable idols^(T) in the house that bears my Name and have defiled^(U) it. ³¹They have built the high places of Topheth^(V) in the Valley of Ben Hinnom^(W) to burn their sons and daughters^(X) in the fire—something I did not command, nor did it enter my mind.^(Y) ³²So beware, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when people will no longer call it Topheth or the Valley of Ben Hinnom, but the Valley of Slaughter,^(Z) for they will bury^(AA) the dead in Topheth until there is no more room. ³³Then the carcasses^(AB) of this people will become food^(AC) for the birds and the wild animals, and there will be no one to frighten them away.^(AD) ³⁴I will bring an end to the sounds^(AE) of joy and gladness and to the voices of bride and bridegroom^(AF) in the towns of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem,^(AG) for the land will become desolate.^(AH)