22
Thus says the Lord: "Behold, a people comes from the north country, And a great nation will be raised from the farthest parts of the earth.
23
They will lay hold on bow and spear; They are cruel and have no mercy; Their voice roars like the sea; And they ride on horses, As men of war set in array against you, O daughter of Zion."
24
We have heard the report of it; Our hands grow feeble. Anguish has taken hold of us, Pain as of a woman in labor.
25
Do not go out into the field, Nor walk by the way. Because of the sword of the enemy, Fear is on every side.
26
O daughter of my people, Dress in sackcloth And roll about in ashes! Make mourning as for an only son, most bitter lamentation; For the plunderer will suddenly come upon us.
27
"I have set you as an assayer and a fortress among My people, That you may know and test their way.
28
They are all stubborn rebels, walking as slanderers. They are bronze and iron, They are all corrupters;
29
The bellows blow fiercely, The lead is consumed by the fire; The smelter refines in vain, For the wicked are not drawn off.
30
People will call them rejected silver, Because the Lord has rejected them."