Chapter 1
1It came to pass, when the children of Israel were taken captive by the king of the Chaldeans, that God spoke to Jeremiah saying: Jeremiah, my chosen one, arise and depart from this city, you and Baruch, since I am going to destroy it because of the multitude of the sins of those who dwell in it.
2For your prayers are like a solid pillar in its midst, and like an indestructible wall surrounding it.
3Now, then, arise and depart before the host of the Chaldeans surrounds it.
4And Jeremiah answered, saying: I beseech you, Lord, permit me, your servant, to speak in your presence.
5And the Lord said to him: Speak, my chosen one Jeremiah.
6And Jeremiah spoke, saying: Lord Almighty, would you deliver the chosen city into the hands of the Chaldeans, so that the king with the multitude of his people might boast and say: "I have prevailed over the holy city of God"?
7No, my Lord, but if it is your will, let it be destroyed by your hands.
8And the Lord said to Jeremiah: Since you are my chosen one, arise and depart form this city, you and Baruch, for I am going to destroy it because of the multitude of the sins of those who dwell in it.
9For neither the king nor his host will be able to enter it unless I first open its gates.
10Arise, then, and go to Baruch, and tell him these words.
11And when you have arisen at the sixth hour of the night, go out on the city walls and I will show you that unless I first destroy the city, they cannot enter it.
12When the Lord had said this, he departed from Jeremiah.