Jer 6:16-17 | NETfull | STEP | The Lord said to his people: “You are standing at the crossroads. So consider your path. Ask where the old, reliable paths are. Ask where the path is that leads to blessing and follow it. If you do, you will find rest for your souls.” But they said, “We will not follow it!”

Jeremiah 6:16-17

16 The Lord said to his people: ^{▼▼ The words, “to his people” are not in the text but are implicit in the interchange of pronouns in the Hebrew of vv. 16–17. They are supplied in the translation here for clarity.}

“You are standing at the crossroads. So consider your path. ^{▼▼ Heb “Stand at the crossroads and look.”}
Ask where the old, reliable paths ^{▼▼ Heb “the ancient path,” i.e., the path the Lord set out in ancient times (cf. Deut 32:7).} are.
Ask where the path is that leads to blessing ^{▼▼ Heb “the way of/to the good.”} and follow it.
If you do, you will find rest for your souls.”
But they said, “We will not follow it!”
17 The Lord said, ^{▼▼ These words are not in the text but are implicit in the interchange of pronouns in the Hebrew of vv. 16–17. They are supplied in the translation here for clarity.}

“I appointed prophets as watchmen to warn you, ^{▼▼ Heb “I appointed watchmen over you.”} saying:
‘Pay attention to the warning sound of the trumpet!’” ^{▼▼ Heb “Pay attention to the sound of the trumpet.” The word “warning” is not in the Hebrew text, but is implied.}
But they said, “We will not pay attention!”