Jeremiah 6:1-8

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

6 Flee for safety, O children of Benjamin,
    from the midst of Jerusalem!
Blow the trumpet in Tekoa,
    and raise a signal on Beth-haccherem,
for evil looms out of the north
    and great destruction.^(A)
2 I have likened daughter Zion
    to the loveliest pasture.^[a](B)
3 Shepherds with their flocks shall come against her.
    They shall pitch their tents around her;
    they shall pasture, all in their places.^(C)
4 “Prepare war against her;
    up, and let us attack at noon!”
“Woe to us, for the day declines;
    the shadows of evening lengthen!”^(D)
5 “Up, and let us attack by night,
    and destroy her palaces!”^(E)
6 For thus says the Lord of hosts:
Cut down her trees;
    cast up a siege ramp against Jerusalem.
This is the city that must be punished;^[b]
    there is nothing but oppression within her.^(F)
7 As a well keeps its water fresh,
    so she keeps fresh her wickedness;
violence and destruction are heard within her;
    sickness and wounds are ever before me.^(G)
8 Take warning, O Jerusalem,
    or I shall turn from you in disgust
and make you a desolation,
    an uninhabited land.^(H)