1. “Take cover, people of Benjamin!Run away from Jerusalem!Blow the ram’s horn in Tekoa.Raise the flag over Beth Hakkerem,because disaster and widespread destructionare coming from the north.
2. “My people Zion are like lovely pastures.
3. With their flocks, shepherds will come to them,pitch their tents all around them,and each of them will tend his own flock.
4. ⌊The shepherds say,⌋ ‘Prepare yourselves for war against Zion.Let’s attack at noon!How horrible it will be for us. The day is passing,and the shadows of evening are growing longer.
5. Let’s attack at night and destroy its palaces.’ ”
6. This is what the Lord of Armies says:Cut down its trees.Build up dirt mounds to attack Jerusalem.This city must be punished.There is nothing but oppression in it.
7. As a well keeps its water fresh,so Jerusalem keeps its evil fresh.Violence and destruction can be heard in it.I see that it is sick and wounded.
8. Pay attention to my warning, Jerusalem,or I will turn away from you.I will make your land desolate,a land where no one will live.
9. This is what the Lord of Armies says:Thoroughly pick through the faithful few of Israellike someone picks through a grapevine.Like someone picking grapes, pass your hand over its branches again.