12. It is a roaring blast sent by me!Now I will pronounce your destruction!”
13. Our enemy rushes down on us like storm clouds!His chariots are like whirlwinds.His horses are swifter than eagles.How terrible it will be, for we are doomed!
14. O Jerusalem, cleanse your heartthat you may be saved.How long will you harboryour evil thoughts?
15. Your destruction has been announcedfrom Dan and the hill country of Ephraim.
16. “Warn the surrounding nationsand announce this to Jerusalem:The enemy is coming from a distant land,raising a battle cry against the towns of Judah.
17. They surround Jerusalem like watchmen around a field,for my people have rebelled against me,”says the lord.
18. “Your own actions have brought this upon you.This punishment is bitter, piercing you to the heart!”
19. My heart, my heart—I writhe in pain!My heart pounds within me! I cannot be still.For I have heard the blast of enemy trumpetsand the roar of their battle cries.
20. Waves of destruction roll over the land,until it lies in complete desolation.Suddenly my tents are destroyed;in a moment my shelters are crushed.
21. How long must I see the battle flagsand hear the trumpets of war?
22. “My people are foolishand do not know me,” says the lord.“They are stupid childrenwho have no understanding.They are clever enough at doing wrong,but they have no idea how to do right!”
23. I looked at the earth, and it was empty and formless.I looked at the heavens, and there was no light.
24. I looked at the mountains and hills,and they trembled and shook.
25. I looked, and all the people were gone.All the birds of the sky had flown away.
26. I looked, and the fertile fields had become a wilderness.The towns lay in ruins,crushed by the lord’s fierce anger.
27. This is what the lord says:“The whole land will be ruined,but I will not destroy it completely.
28. The earth will mournand the heavens will be draped in blackbecause of my decree against my people.I have made up my mind and will not change it.”
29. At the noise of charioteers and archers,the people flee in terror.They hide in the bushesand run for the mountains.All the towns have been abandoned—not a person remains!