5. Proclaim it in Judah,in Jerusalem announce it;Blow the trumpet throughout the land,call out, “Fill the ranks!”Say, “Assemble, let us marchto the fortified cities.”
6. Raise the signal—to Zion!Seek refuge! Don’t stand there!Disaster I bring from the north,and great destruction.
7. Up comes the lion from its lair,the destroyer of nations has set out,has left its place,To turn your land into a desolation,your cities into an uninhabited waste.
8. So put on sackcloth,mourn and wail:“The blazing anger of the Lordhas not turned away from us.”
9. In that day—oracle of the Lord—The king will lose heart, and the princes;the priests will be horrified,and the prophets stunned.
10. “Ah! Lord God,” they will say,“You really did deceive usWhen you said: You shall have peace,while the sword was at our very throats.”
11. At that time it will be saidto this people and to Jerusalem,A scorching wind from the bare heights comesthrough the wilderness toward my daughter, the people.Not to winnow, not to cleanse,
12. a strong wind from there comes at my bidding.Now I too pronouncesentence upon them.