18. Therefore hear, O nations and observe, O congregation, what is against them.
19. Hear, O earth! See, I will bring disaster on this people —fruit of their schemes— for they did not listen to My words and rejected My Torah.
20. Of what use to Me is frankincense coming from Sheba or sweet cane from a distant country? Your burnt offerings are not acceptable, nor are your sacrifices pleasing to Me.”
21. Therefore thus says Adonai: “Look, I am laying before this people stumbling blocks— and against them they will stumble— fathers and the sons together, a neighbor and his friend, and they will perish.”
22. Thus says Adonai: “Look, a people coming from a northern land, a great nation roused from the ends of the earth!
23. They are armed with bow and spear, cruel and with no compassion. They sound like the roaring sea— as they ride on horses as men in battle formation, against you, Daughter of Zion!”
24. “We have heard of their fame. Our hands hang limp; anguish has gripped us, pain like a woman in labor.
25. Don’t go out into the field or walk on the road. Since the enemy has a sword, there’s terror on every side!”
26. “Daughter of My people, put on sackcloth and roll in ashes. Mourn as for an only son with bitter lamentation.” “For suddenly the destroyer will come on us!”
27. “I have made you a metal-tester among My people—so you may observe and test their way.
28. They are all stubborn rebels spreading slander. They are bronze and iron, all of them are corrupt.
29. The bellows blow fiercely, blasting away the lead with fire. The refining is completely in vain, for the wicked are not drawn off.
30. They are called ‘cast off silver’— for Adonai has cast them off.”