6. Raise a signal flag as a warning for Jerusalem:‘Flee now! Do not delay!’For I am bringing terrible destruction upon youfrom the north.”
7. A lion stalks from its den,a destroyer of nations.It has left its lair and is headed your way.It’s going to devastate your land!Your towns will lie in ruins,with no one living in them anymore.
8. So put on clothes of mourningand weep with broken hearts,for the fierce anger of the lordis still upon us.
9. “In that day,” says the lord,“the king and the officials will tremble in fear.The priests will be struck with horror,and the prophets will be appalled.”
10. Then I said, “O Sovereign lord,the people have been deceived by what you said,for you promised peace for Jerusalem.But the sword is held at their throats!”
11. The time is coming when the lord will sayto the people of Jerusalem,“My dear people, a burning wind is blowing in from the desert,and it’s not a gentle breeze useful for winnowing grain.
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.