18 Therefore hear, O nations,and know, O congregation, what will happen to them.
19 Hear, O earth; behold, I am bringing disaster upon this people, the fruit of their devices,because they have not paid attention to my words;and as for my law, they have rejected it.
20 What use to me is frankincense that comes from Sheba,or sweet cane from a distant land? Your burnt offerings are not acceptable,nor your sacrifices pleasing to me.
21 Therefore thus says the Lord: ‘Behold, I will lay before this peoplestumbling blocks against which they shall stumble;fathers and sons together,neighbor and friend shall perish.’”
22 Thus says the Lord: “Behold, a people is coming from the north country,a great nation is stirring from the farthest parts of the earth.
23 They lay hold on bow and javelin;they are cruel and have no mercy; the sound of them is like the roaring sea;they ride on horses,set in array as a man for battle,against you, O daughter of Zion!”
24 We have heard the report of it; our hands fall helpless;anguish has taken hold of us, pain as of a woman in labor.