1. "O sons of Benjamin, be strengthened in the midst of Jerusalem, and sound the trumpet in Tekoa, and lift up a banner over the house of Haccherem. For an evil has been seen from the north, with great destruction.
2. I have compared the daughter of Zion to a beautiful and delicate woman.
3. The pastors will come to her with their flocks. They have pitched their tents against her all around. Each one will feed those who are under his hand.
4. 'Sanctify a war against her! Rise up together, and let us ascend at midday.' 'Woe to us! For the day has declined; for the shadows of the evening have grown longer.'
5. 'Rise up, and let us ascend in the night, and let us destroy her houses.' "
6. For thus says the Lord of hosts: "Cut down her trees, and build a rampart around Jerusalem. This is the city of visitation! Every kind of false claim is in her midst.