26. I looked, and the fertile fields had become a wilderness.The towns lay in ruins,crushed by the lord’s fierce anger.
27. This is what the lord says:“The whole land will be ruined,but I will not destroy it completely.
28. The earth will mournand the heavens will be draped in blackbecause of my decree against my people.I have made up my mind and will not change it.”
29. At the noise of charioteers and archers,the people flee in terror.They hide in the bushesand run for the mountains.All the towns have been abandoned—not a person remains!
30. What are you doing,you who have been plundered?Why do you dress up in beautiful clothingand put on gold jewelry?Why do you brighten your eyes with mascara?Your primping will do you no good!The allies who were your loversdespise you and seek to kill you.
31. I hear a cry, like that of a woman in labor,the groans of a woman giving birth to her first child.It is beautiful Jerusalemgasping for breath and crying out,“Help! I’m being murdered!”