21. So this is what the Lord says:“I will put problems in front of Judah.Fathers and sons will stumble over them.Neighbors and friends will die.”
22. This is what the Lord says:“Look, an army is comingfrom the land of the north.A great nation is comingfrom the far sides of the earth.
23. The soldiers carry bows and spears.They are cruel and show no mercy.They sound like the roaring oceanwhen they ride their horses.That army is coming lined up for battle.It is coming to attack you, Jerusalem.”
24. We have heard the news about that army.We are helpless from fear.We feel trapped by our troubles.We are in pain like a woman having a baby.