18. Therefore hear, O nations,and know, O earth,what I will do with them:
19. See, I bring evil upon this people,the fruit of their own schemes,Because they did not pay attention to my words,because they rejected my law.
20. Of what use to me is incense that comes from Sheba,or sweet cane from far-off lands?Your burnt offerings find no favor with me,your sacrifices do not please me.
21. Therefore, thus says the Lord:See, I will place before this peopleobstacles to trip them up;Parents and children alike,neighbors and friends shall perish.
22. Thus says the Lord:See, a people comes from the land of the north,a great nation, rising from the very ends of the earth.
23. Bow and javelin they wield;cruel and pitiless are they.They sound like the roaring seaas they ride forth on horses,Each in his place for battleagainst you, daughter Zion.