These are Yahweh's words about Israel. ## Make a chain ## Chains are used to hold slaves or prisoners. God says this to show the people that they will become slaves or prisoners. ## the land is filled with the judgment of blood ## "everywhere in the country God is judging people because they violently killed others." The word "blood" here represents murder and death. ## the city is full of violence ## "violence is everywhere in the city" or "many people in the city are doing violent things to others" ## and they will possess their houses ## "the wicked will take the houses of Israel" ## I will bring an end to the pride of the mighty ## I will cause the powerful people in Israel to stop being proud of themselves" ## their holy places will be defiled! ## "Enemies will defile the places where you worship." ## Fear will come ## "The people will be afraid" ## They will seek peace ## "They will hope for peace" or "They will try to make peace with their enemies"