25. I looked and there was no one left;every bird in the sky had taken flight.
26. I looked and the fertile land was a desert;all its towns were in ruinsbefore the Lord, before his fury.
27. The Lord proclaims:The whole earth will become a desolation,but I will not destroy it completely.
28. Therefore, the earth will grieveand the heavens grow darkbecause I have declared my planand will neither change my mindnor cancel the plan.
29. As the horsemen and archers approach,the people take flight.They hide in the bushesand escape to the cliffs.Every city is deserted;no one remains.