7. Listen! Our bravest soldiersare running through the streets,screaming for help.Our messengers hoped for peace,but came home crying.
8. No one travels any more;every road is empty.Treaties are broken,and no respect is shownto any who keep promises.
9. Fields are dry and barren;Mount Lebanon wiltswith shame.Sharon Valley is a desert;the forests of Bashan and Carmelhave lost their leaves.
10. But the Lord says,“Now I will do somethingand be greatly praised.
11. Your deeds are strawthat will be set on fireby your very own breath.
12. You will be burnt to asheslike thorns in a fire.
13. Everyone, both far and near,come, look at what I have done.See my mighty power!”
14. Those terrible sinnerson Mount Zion trembleas they ask in fear,“How can we possibly livewhere a raging firenever stops burning?”
15. But there will be rewardsfor those who live rightand tell the truth,for those who refuseto take money by forceor accept bribes,for all who hate murderand violent crimes.