8 ^aif that nation against whom I have spoken turns from its evil, ^bI will relent of the disaster that I thought to bring upon it.  ‡

9 And the instant I speak concerning a nation and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant it,

11 “Now therefore, speak to the men of Judah and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord: “Behold, I am fashioning a disaster and devising a plan against you. ^aReturn now every one from his evil way, and make your ways and your doings ^bgood.” ’ ”  ‡

12 And they said, ^a“That is hopeless! So we will walk according to our own plans, and we will every one¹ obey the ^bdictates of his evil heart.”  ‡