1. ‘Flee for safety, people of Benjamin!Flee from Jerusalem!Sound the trumpet in Tekoa!Raise the signal over Beth Hakkerem!For disaster looms out of the north,even terrible destruction.
2. I will destroy Daughter Zion,so beautiful and delicate.
3. Shepherds with their flocks will come against her;they will pitch their tents round her,each tending his own portion.’
4. ‘Prepare for battle against her!Arise, let us attack at noon!But, alas, the daylight is fading,and the shadows of evening grow long.
5. So arise, let us attack at nightand destroy her fortresses!’
6. This is what the Lord Almighty says:‘Cut down the treesand build siege ramps against Jerusalem.This city must be punished;it is filled with oppression.
7. As a well pours out its water,so she pours out her wickedness.Violence and destruction resound in her;her sickness and wounds are ever before me.
8. Take warning, Jerusalem,or I will turn away from youand make your land desolateso that no one can live in it.’
9. This is what the Lord Almighty says:‘Let them glean the remnant of Israelas thoroughly as a vine;pass your hand over the branches again,like one gathering grapes.’
10. To whom can I speak and give warning?Who will listen to me?Their ears are closedso that they cannot hear.The word of the Lord is offensive to them;they find no pleasure in it.