4. Now these are the words which the Lord spoke concerning Israel and concerning Judah:
5. "For thus says the Lord, 'I have heard a sound of terror, Of dread, and there is no peace.
6. 'Ask now, and see If a male can give birth. Why do I see every man With his hands on his loins, as a woman in childbirth? And why have all faces turned pale?
7. 'Alas! for that day is great, There is none like it; And it is the time of Jacob's distress, But he will be saved from it.
8. 'It shall come about on that day,' declares the Lord of hosts, 'that I will break his yoke from off their neck and will tear off their bonds; and strangers will no longer make them their slaves.
9. But they shall serve the Lord their God and David their king, whom I will raise up for them.