(SEE 30:23)

The LORD Almighty has sworn an oath: "What I have planned will happen. What I have determined to do will be done.

Through my servants the prophets I gave your ancestors commands and warnings, but they disregarded them and suffered the consequences. Then they repented and acknowledged that I, the LORD Almighty, had punished them as they deserved and as I had determined to do.' "

The LORD Almighty says, "When your ancestors made me angry, I planned disaster for them and did not change my mind, but carried out my plans.

But now I am planning to bless the people of Jerusalem and Judah. So don't be afraid.

Jacob called for his sons and said, "Gather around, and I will tell you what will happen to you in the future:

I know that after my death the people will become wicked and reject what I have taught them. And in time to come they will meet with disaster, because they will have made the LORD angry by doing what he has forbidden."

Then Moses recited the entire song while all the people of Israel listened.

listen to your people's prayers. If there in that land they repent and pray to you, confessing how sinful and wicked they have been, hear their prayers, O LORD.

You will lie groaning on your deathbed, your flesh and muscles being eaten away,

I wouldn't listen to my teachers. I paid no attention to them.

Human wisdom, brilliance, insight---they are of no help if the LORD is against you.

In just this way the people of Israel will have to live for a long time without kings or leaders, without sacrifices or sacred stone pillars, without idols or images to use for divination.

But the time will come when the people of Israel will once again turn to the LORD their God and to a descendant of David their king. Then they will fear the LORD and will receive his good gifts.