And when this people, or the prophet, or a priest, shall ask thee, saying, What is the burden of the LORD? thou shalt then say unto them, What burden? I will even forsake you, saith the LORD.
When this people ... shall ask thee ... What is the burden? - play on the double sense of the Hebrew х masaa' (H4853)] - an oracle and a burden. They scoffingly ask, Has he got any new burden (burdensome oracle; for all his prophecies are disasters) to announce? (Malachi 1:1.) Jeremiah indignantly repeats their own question, Do you ask What burden? This, then it is, "I will forsake you." My word is burdensome in your eyes, and you long to be rid of it. You shall get your wish. There will be no more prophecy; I will forsake you, and that will be a far worse burden to you.