1. The Lord’s word to the prophet Jeremiah concerning the Philistines before Pharaoh conquered Gaza.
2. The Lord proclaims:Waters are rising from the northand turning into a raging flood.They will engulf the land and everything in it,the towns and those living in them.The people cry out;all who live there scream.
3. At the pounding of the stallions’ hooves,at the deafening roar of the chariots’ wheels,parents abandon children,so paralyzed are they with fear.
4. Because the time is comingfor the Philistines’ destruction,for cutting off from Tyre and Sidonanyone who might try to save Gaza,because the Lord will destroy the Philistines,the few left from the island of Caphtor.
5. Mourning will come upon Gaza;silence will cover Ashkelon,the few left in their valley.How long will you gash yourselves in grief?
6. You sword of the Lord, how long until you are silent?Return to your sheath;rest and be still!
7. How can you be silentwhen the Lord has directed youto attack Ashkelon and the coast line?