15. Were they ashamed when they committed abomination?No, they were not at all ashamed;they did not know how to blush.Therefore they shall fall among those who fall; at the time that I punish them, they shall be overthrown,”says the Lord.
16. Thus says the Lord:“Stand by the roads, and look,and ask for the ancient paths,where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’
17. I set watchmen over you, saying,‘Pay attention to the sound of the trumpet!’But they said, ‘We will not pay attention.’
18. Therefore hear, O nations,and know, O congregation, what will happen to them.
19. Hear, O earth; behold, I am bringing disaster upon this people, the fruit of their devices,because they have not paid attention to my words;and as for my law, they have rejected it.
20. What use to me is frankincense that comes from Sheba,or sweet cane from a distant land? Your burnt offerings are not acceptable,nor your sacrifices pleasing to me.
21. Therefore thus says the Lord: ‘Behold, I will lay before this peoplestumbling blocks against which they shall stumble;fathers and sons together,neighbor and friend shall perish.’”
22. Thus says the Lord: “Behold, a people is coming from the north country,a great nation is stirring from the farthest parts of the earth.
23. They lay hold on bow and javelin;they are cruel and have no mercy; the sound of them is like the roaring sea;they ride on horses,set in array as a man for battle,against you, O daughter of Zion!”
24. We have heard the report of it; our hands fall helpless;anguish has taken hold of us, pain as of a woman in labor.
25. Go not out into the field,nor walk on the road,for the enemy has a sword; terror is on every side.