A DEAL WITH DEATH

14 Therefore hear the word of the Lord,d you scofferse

who rule this people in Jerusalem.

15 For you said, “We have made a covenant with Death,

and we have an agreement with Sheol;

when the overwhelming catastrophe* passes through,f

it will not touch us,

because we have made falsehood our refuge

and have hidden behind treachery.”

16 Therefore the Lord God said:

“Look, I have laid a stoneg in Zion,

a tested stone,

a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation;h

the one who believes will be unshakable.D,i

17 And I will make justice the measuring line

and righteousness the mason’s level.”j

Hail will sweep away the false refuge,

and water will flood your hiding place.

18 Your covenant with Death will be dissolved,

and your agreement with Sheol will not last.

When the overwhelming catastrophe passes through,

you will be trampled.