22 Thus says the Lord:See, a people comes from the land of the north,a great nation, rising from the very ends of the earth.
23 Bow and javelin they wield;cruel and pitiless are they.They sound like the roaring seaas they ride forth on horses,Each in his place for battleagainst you, daughter Zion.
24 We hear news of them;our hands hang helpless,Anguish takes hold of us,pangs like a woman in childbirth.
25 Do not go out into the field,do not step into the street,For the enemy has a sword;terror on every side!
26 Daughter of my people, dress in sackcloth,roll in the ashes.Mourn as for an only childwith bitter wailing:“How suddenly the destroyercomes upon us!”
27 A tester for my people I have appointed you,to search and test their way.
28 Arch-rebels are they all,dealers in slander,bronze and iron, all of them,destroyers they are.