16. This is what the Lord says:“Stand where the roads cross and look.Ask where the old way is,where the good way is, and walk on it.If you do, you will find rest for yourselves.But they have said, ‘We will not walk on the good way.’
17. I set watchmen over youand told you, ‘Listen for the sound of the war trumpet!’But they said, ‘We will not listen.’
18. So listen, all you nations,and pay attention, you witnesses.Watch what I will do to the people of Judah.
19. Hear this, people of the earth:I am going to bring disaster to the people of Judahbecause of the evil they plan.They have not listened to my messagesand have rejected my teachings.
20. Why do you bring me offerings of incense from the land of Sheba?Why do you bring me sweet-smelling cane from a faraway land?Your burnt offerings will not be accepted;your sacrifices do not please me.”
21. So this is what the Lord says:“I will put problems in front of Judah.Fathers and sons will stumble over them together.Neighbors and friends will die.”
22. This is what the Lord says:“Look, an army is comingfrom the land of the north;a great nation is comingfrom the far sides of the earth.
23. The soldiers carry bows and spears.They are cruel and show no mercy.They sound like the roaring oceanwhen they ride their horses.That army is coming lined up for battle,ready to attack you, Jerusalem.”
24. We have heard the news about that armyand are helpless from fear.We are gripped by our pain,like a woman having a baby.
25. Don’t go out into the fieldsor walk down the roads,because the enemy has swords.There is terror on every side.