20. I see the enemy defeating ustime after time,leaving everything in ruins.Even my own homeis destroyed in a moment.
21. How long will I see enemy flagsand hear their trumpets?
22. I heard the Lord say,“My people ignore me.They are foolish childrenwho do not understandthat they will be punished.All they know is how to sin.”
23. After this, I looked around.The earth was barren,with no form of life.The sun, moon, and starshad disappeared.
24. The mountains were shaking;
25. no people could be seen,and all the birdshad flown away.
26. Farmland had become a desert,and towns were in ruins.The Lord's fierce angerhad done all of this.
27-28. The Lord said:I have made my decision,and I won't change my mind.This land will be destroyed,although not completely.The sky will turn dark,and the earth will mourn.
29. Enemy cavalry and archersshout their battle cry.People run for their livesand try to find safetyamong trees and rocks.Every town is empty.
30. Jerusalem, your landhas been wiped out.But you act like a prostituteand try to win back your lovers,who now hate you.You can put on a red dress,gold jewellery, and eye shadow,but it's no use—your lovers are out to kill you!
31. I heard groaning and crying.Was it a woman giving birthto her first child?No, it was Jerusalem.She was gasping for breathand begging for help.“I'm dying!” she said.“They have murdered me.”