12 Therefore, thus says the Holy One of Israel: Because you despise this wordand trust in oppression and perverseness,and rely on them,
13 therefore this iniquity shall be to youas a breach ready to fall, swelling up in a high wall,whose collapse comes suddenly, in an instant.
14 He shall break it as the breaking of the potter’s vesselthat is broken in pieces;He shall not spare so that there shall not be found in the breaking of it a shardto take fire from the hearthor with which to take water out of a cistern.
15 For thus says the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: In returning and rest you shall be saved;in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength.Yet you were not willing,
16 and you said, “No, for we will flee on horses”;therefore you shall flee.“And we will ride on swift horses”;therefore those who pursue you shall be swift.
17 One thousand shall fleeat the threat of one man;at the threat of fiveyou shall fleeuntil you are leftas a flag on the top of a mountainand as a banner on a hill.
18 Therefore, the Lord longs to be gracious to you,and therefore, He waits on high to have mercy on you;for the Lord is a God of justice;how blessed are all who long for Him.