24. We have heard about it,and we are discouraged. Distress has seized us —pain like a woman in labor.
25. Don’t go out to the fields;don’t walk on the road.For the enemy has a sword;terror is on every side.
26. My dear people, dress yourselves in sackclothand roll in the dust. Mourn as you would for an only son, a bitter lament,for suddenly the destroyer will come on us.
27. I have appointed you to be an assayer among My people —a refiner —so you may know and assay their way of life.
28. All are stubborn rebelsspreading slander. They are bronze and iron;all of them are corrupt.
29. The bellows blow,blasting the lead with fire.The refining is completely in vain;the evil ones are not separated out.
30. They are called rejected silver,for the Lord has rejected them.