13. “For from their least even to their greatest, everyone is given to covetousness.From the prophet even to the priest, everyone deals falsely.
14. They have healed also the hurt of my people superficially,saying, ‘Peace, peace!’ when there is no peace.
15. Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination?No, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush.Therefore they will fall amongst those who fall.When I visit them, they will be cast down,” says the Lord.
16. the Lord says, “Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, ‘Where is the good way?’ and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’
17. I set watchmen over you, saying, ‘Listen to the sound of the shofar!’ But they said, ‘We will not listen!’
18. Therefore hear, you nations, and know, congregation, what is amongst them.
19. Hear, earth! Behold, I will bring evil on this people, even the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not listened to my words; and as for my law, they have rejected it.
20. To what purpose does frankincense from Sheba come to me, and the sweet cane from a far country? Your burnt offerings are not acceptable, and your sacrifices are not pleasing to me.”
21. Therefore the Lord says, “Behold, I will lay stumbling blocks before this people. The fathers and the sons together will stumble against them. The neighbour and his friend will perish.”
22. the Lord says, “Behold, a people comes from the north country. A great nation will be stirred up from the uttermost parts of the earth.
23. They take hold of bow and spear. They are cruel, and have no mercy. Their voice roars like the sea, and they ride on horses, everyone set in array, as a man to the battle, against you, daughter of Zion.”
24. We have heard its report. Our hands become feeble. Anguish has taken hold of us, and pains as of a woman in labour.
25. Don’t go out into the field, nor walk by the way; for the sword of the enemy and terror are on every side.
26. Daughter of my people, clothe yourself with sackcloth, and wallow in ashes! Mourn, as for an only son, most bitter lamentation, for the destroyer will suddenly come on us.