2. and if you swear, ‘As the Lord lives,’in truth, in justice, and in righteousness,then nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory.”
3. For thus says the Lord to the men of Judah and Jerusalem: “Break up your fallow ground,and sow not among thorns.
4. Circumcise yourselves to the Lord;remove the foreskin of your hearts,O men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem; lest my wrath go forth like fire,and burn with none to quench it, because of the evil of your deeds.”
5. Declare in Judah, and proclaim in Jerusalem, and say, “Blow the trumpet through the land;cry aloud and say, ‘Assemble, and let us gointo the fortified cities!’
6. Raise a standard toward Zion,flee for safety, stay not,for I bring disaster from the north, and great destruction.
7. A lion has gone up from his thicket,a destroyer of nations has set out;he has gone out from his placeto make your land a waste;your cities will be ruins without inhabitant.
8. For this put on sackcloth,lament and wail,for the fierce anger of the Lordhas not turned back from us.”
9. “In that day, declares the Lord, courage shall fail both king and officials. The priests shall be appalled and the prophets astounded.”
10. Then I said, “Ah, Lord God, surely you have utterly deceived this people and Jerusalem, saying, ‘It shall be well with you,’ whereas the sword has reached their very life.”
11. At that time it will be said to this people and to Jerusalem, “A hot wind from the bare heights in the desert toward the daughter of my people, not to winnow or cleanse,
12. a wind too full for this comes for me. Now it is I who speak in judgment upon them.”
13. Behold, he comes up like clouds; his chariots like the whirlwind;his horses are swifter than eagles—woe to us, for we are ruined!
14. O Jerusalem, wash your heart from evil,that you may be saved.How long shall your wicked thoughtslodge within you?
15. For a voice declares from Danand proclaims trouble from Mount Ephraim.
16. Warn the nations that he is coming;announce to Jerusalem,“Besiegers come from a distant land;they shout against the cities of Judah.