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.
25 Do not go out to the fieldsor walk on the roads,for the enemy has a sword,and there is terror on every side.
26 Put on sackcloth, my people,and roll in ashes;mourn with bitter wailingas for an only son,for suddenly the destroyerwill come upon us.
27 ‘I have made you a tester of metalsand my people the ore,that you may observeand test their ways.
28 They are all hardened rebels,going about to slander.They are bronze and iron;they all act corruptly.