18 Therefore hear, you nations;you who are witnesses,observe what will happen to them.
19 Hear, you earth:I am bringing disaster on this people,the fruit of their schemes,because they have not listened to my wordsand have rejected my law.
20 What do I care about incense from Shebaor sweet calamus from a distant land?Your burnt offerings are not acceptable;your sacrifices do not please me.’
21 Therefore this is what the Lord says:‘I will put obstacles before this people.Parents and children alike will stumble over them;neighbours and friends will perish.’
22 This is what the Lord says:‘Look, an army is comingfrom the land of the north;a great nation is being stirred upfrom the ends of the earth.
23 They are armed with bow and spear;they are cruel and show no mercy.They sound like the roaring seaas they ride on their horses;they come like men in battle formationto attack you, Daughter Zion.’
24 We have heard reports about them,and our hands hang limp.Anguish has gripped us,pain like that of a woman in labour.