17
Like keepers of a field they are against her all around, Because she has been rebellious against Me," says the Lord.
18
"Your ways and your doings Have procured these things for you. This is your wickedness, Because it is bitter, Because it reaches to your heart."
19
O my soul, my soul! I am pained in my very heart! My heart makes a noise in me; I cannot hold my peace, Because you have heard, O my soul, The sound of the trumpet, The alarm of war.
20
Destruction upon destruction is cried, For the whole land is plundered. Suddenly my tents are plundered, And my curtains in a moment.
21
How long will I see the standard, And hear the sound of the trumpet?
22
"For My people are foolish, They have not known Me. They are silly children, And they have no understanding. They are wise to do evil, But to do good they have no knowledge."
23
I beheld the earth, and indeed it was without form, and void; And the heavens, they had no light.
24
I beheld the mountains, and indeed they trembled, And all the hills moved back and forth.
25
I beheld, and indeed there was no man, And all the birds of the heavens had fled.
26
I beheld, and indeed the fruitful land was a wilderness, And all its cities were broken down At the presence of the Lord, By His fierce anger.
27
For thus says the Lord: "The whole land shall be desolate; Yet I will not make a full end.