²⁸ “Do not blaspheme God^[a](A) or curse^(B) the ruler of your people.^(C)

⁹ I will make them abhorrent^(A) and an offense to all the kingdoms of the earth, a reproach and a byword,^(B) a curse^[a](C) and an object of ridicule, wherever I banish^(D) them.

¹⁸ Jerusalem^(A) and the towns of Judah, its kings and officials, to make them a ruin^(B) and an object of horror and scorn,^(C) a curse^[a](D)—as they are today;^(E)

¹⁸ This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: ‘As my anger and wrath^(A) have been poured out on those who lived in Jerusalem,^(B) so will my wrath be poured out on you when you go to Egypt. You will be a curse^[a](C) and an object of horror,^(D) a curse^[b] and an object of reproach;^(E) you will never see this place again.’^(F)

¹² I will take away the remnant^(A) of Judah who were determined to go to Egypt to settle there. They will all perish in Egypt; they will fall by the sword or die from famine. From the least to the greatest,^(B) they will die by sword or famine.^(C) They will become a curse and an object of horror, a curse and an object of reproach.^(D)

⁸ I will set my face against^(A) them and make them an example^(B) and a byword.^(C) I will remove them from my people. Then you will know that I am the Lord.^(D)

¹³ Just as you, Judah and Israel, have been a curse^[a](A) among the nations, so I will save^(B) you, and you will be a blessing.^[b](C) Do not be afraid,^(D) but let your hands be strong.^(E)”