17. Then the Lord appointed watchmen to listen for the trumpet's warning. But they said, “We will not listen.”
18. So the Lord said, “Listen, you nations, and learn what is going to happen to my people.
19. Listen, earth! As punishment for all their schemes I am bringing ruin on these people, because they have rejected my teaching and have not obeyed my words.
20. What do I care about the incense they bring me from Sheba, or the spices from a distant land? I will not accept their offerings or be pleased with their sacrifices.
21. And so I will make these people stumble and fall. Parents and children will die, and so will friends and neighbours.”
22. The Lord says, “People are coming from a country in the north; a mighty nation far away is preparing for war.
23. They have taken up their bows and swords; they are cruel and merciless. They sound like the roaring sea, as they ride their horses. They are ready for battle against Jerusalem.”