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.
25 Go not out into the field,nor walk on the road,for the enemy has a sword; terror is on every side.
26 O daughter of my people, put on sackcloth,and roll in ashes; make mourning as for an only son,most bitter lamentation,for suddenly the destroyerwill come upon us.
27 “I have made you a tester of metals among my people,that you may know and test their ways.
28 They are all stubbornly rebellious, going about with slanders;they are bronze and iron;all of them act corruptly.
29 The bellows blow fiercely;the lead is consumed by the fire; in vain the refining goes on,for the wicked are not removed.
30 Rejected silver they are called,for the Lord has rejected them.”