1. “Run for your lives, people of Benjamin!Run away from Jerusalem!Blow the war trumpet in the town of Tekoa!Raise the warning flag over the town of Beth Hakkerem!Disaster is coming from the north.Terrible destruction is coming to you.
2. Jerusalem, I will destroy you.You are fragile and gentle.
3. Shepherds with their flocks will come against Jerusalem.They will set up their tents all around her.Each shepherd will take care of his own section.”
4. They say, “Get ready to fight against Jerusalem!Get up! We will attack at noon!But it is already getting late.The evening shadows are growing long.
5. So get up! We will attack at night.We will destroy the strong towers of Jerusalem!”
6. This is what the Lord of heaven’s armies says:“Cut down the trees around Jerusalem.Build an attack ramp to the top of Jerusalem’s walls.This city must be punished!Inside this city is nothing but slavery.
7. Jerusalem pours out her evilas a well pours out its water.The sounds of violence and destruction are heard within her.I can see the sickness and hurts of Jerusalem.