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.
9. This is what the Lord of heavenly forces says:From top to bottom, let them harvestthe remaining few in Israel.Pick clean everylast grape on the vine!