4The word of the Lord came to me:

5Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,

before you were born I dedicated you,

a prophet to the nations I appointed you.* c

6“Ah, Lord God!” I said,

“I do not know how to speak. I am too young!”*

7But the Lord answered me,

Do not say, “I am too young.”

To whomever I send you, you shall go;

whatever I command you, you shall speak.

8Do not be afraid of them,

for I am with you to deliver you—oracle of the Lord.

See, I place my words in your mouth!d

10Today I appoint you

over nations and over kingdoms,

To uproot and to tear down,

to destroy and to demolish,

to build and to plant.

15Look, I am summoning

all the kingdoms of the north—oracle of the Lord—

Each king shall come and set up his throne

in the gateways of Jerusalem,

Against all its surrounding walls

and against all the cities of Judah.g

16I will pronounce my sentence against them

for all their wickedness in forsaking me,

In burning incense to other gods,

in bowing down to the works of their hands.h

17But you, prepare yourself;

stand up and tell them

all that I command you.

Do not be terrified on account of them,

or I will terrify you before them;

18For I am the one who today

makes you a fortified city,

A pillar of iron, a wall of bronze,

against the whole land:

Against Judah’s kings and princes,

its priests and the people of the land.i

19They will fight against you, but not prevail over you,

for I am with you to deliver you—oracle of the Lord.