1. Escape, people of Benjamin,get out of Jerusalem!Blow the trumpet in Tekoa,sound the alarm in Beth-haccherem;for disaster looms from the north,massive devastation.
2. You are like a lovely pasture, Daughter Zion.
3. Shepherds come to her with their flocks.They pitch their tents around herand graze in their place.
4. "Prepare for battle against her;get ready; let’s attack by noon!Oh, no! Daylight is fading,and the evening shadows lengthen.
5. Get ready, let’s attack by nightand destroy her fortresses!"
6. The Lord of heavenly forces proclaims:Cut down her trees,and build siege ramps against Jerusalem.This city must be held accountable,for there’s nothing but oppression in her midst.
7. As a well brings forth fresh water,she brings forth evil.Violence and destruction are heard within her;injury and wounds are ever before me.
8. Hear me out, Jerusalem,or else I’ll turn away from youand reduce you to ruins,a land unfit to live in.