28. Therefore the earth will mournand the heavens above grow dark,because I have spoken and will not relent,I have decided and will not turn back.’
29. At the sound of horsemen and archersevery town takes to flight.Some go into the thickets;some climb up among the rocks.All the towns are deserted;no one lives in them.
30. What are you doing, you devastated one?Why dress yourself in scarletand put on jewels of gold?Why highlight your eyes with makeup?You adorn yourself in vain.Your lovers despise you;they want to kill you.
31. I hear a cry as of a woman in labour,a groan as of one bearing her first child –the cry of Daughter Zion gasping for breath,stretching out her hands and saying,‘Alas! I am fainting;my life is given over to murderers.’