¹⁵ For this is what the Lord^[a] God,^[b] the Holy One of Israel, says:

“In repentance and rest you will be saved;
    in staying calm and trusting will be your strength.
        But you refused.
¹⁶ Instead, you said,
    ‘No! We’ll escape on horses!’
        Therefore, you’ll flee away.
And you said,
    ‘We’ll ride off on swift steeds!’
        Therefore your pursuers will be swift.
¹⁷ A thousand will flee at the threat of one;
    and run away, pursued by^[c] five,
until you are left
    like a flagpole on a mountaintop,^[d]
        like a banner on a hill.”