3. For this is what the Lord says to the men of Judah and Jerusalem:Break up the unplowed ground; do not sow among the thorns.
4. Circumcise yourselves to the Lord;remove the foreskin of your hearts, men of Judah and residents of Jerusalem.Otherwise, My wrath will break out like fireand burn with no one to extinguish it because of your evil deeds.
5. Declare in Judah, proclaim in Jerusalem, and say:Blow the ram’s horn throughout the land. Cry out loudly and say:Assemble yourselves,and let’s flee to the fortified cities.
6. Lift up a signal flag toward Zion. Run for cover! Don’t stand still!For I am bringing disaster from the north —a great destruction.
7. A lion has gone up from his thicket; a destroyer of nations has set out.He has left his lairto make your land a waste.Your cities will be reduced to uninhabited ruins.
8. Because of this, put on sackcloth;mourn and wail, for the Lord’s burning anger has not turned away from us.
9. “On that day” — this is the Lord’s declaration — “the king and the officials will lose their courage. The priests will tremble in fear, and the prophets will be scared speechless.”
10. I said, “Oh no, Lord God, You have certainly deceived this people and Jerusalem, by announcing, ‘You will have peace,’ while a sword is at our throats.”
11. “At that time it will be said to this people and to Jerusalem, ‘A searing wind blows from the barren heights in the wilderness on the way to My dear people. It comes not to winnow or to sift;
12. a wind too strong for this comes at My call. Now I will also pronounce judgments against them.’ ”
13. Look, he advances like clouds; his chariots are like a storm. His horses are swifter than eagles. Woe to us, for we are ruined!
14. Wash the evil from your heart, Jerusalem,so that you will be delivered.How long will you harbormalicious thoughts within you?
15. For a voice announces from Dan,proclaiming malice from Mount Ephraim.
16. Warn the nations: Look!Proclaim to Jerusalem:Those who besiege are comingfrom a distant land; they raise their voicesagainst the cities of Judah.
17. They have her surrounded like those who guard a field,because she has rebelled against Me. This is the Lord’s declaration.
18. Your way of life and your actionshave brought this on you. This is your punishment. It is very bitter,because it has reached your heart!