23. They shall lay hold on bow and spear; they are cruel, and have no mercy; their voice roars like the sea; and they ride upon horses, set in array as men for war against you, O daughter of Zion.
24. We have heard the report of it: our hands grow feeble: anguish has taken hold of us, and pain, as of a woman in travail.
25. Go not forth into the field, nor walk by the way; for the sword of the enemy and fear is on every side.
26. O daughter of my people, gird yourself with sackcloth, and roll yourself about in ashes: make yourself mourn, as for an only son, most bitter lamentation: for the spoiler shall suddenly come upon us.
27. I have set you for a tester and a fortress among my people, that you may know and test their way.
28. They are all grievous revolters, walking with slanders: they are bronze and iron; they are all corrupters.