24 We have heard the fame thereof: our hands wax feeble: anguish hath taken hold of us, and pain, as of a woman in travail.

25 Go not forth into the field, nor walk by the way; for the sword of the enemy and fear is on every side.

26 O daughter of my people, gird thee with sackcloth, and wallow thyself in ashes: make thee mourning, as for an only son, most bitter lamentation: for the spoiler shall suddenly come upon us.

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24 We have heard reports about them,
    and our hands hang limp.(A)
Anguish(B) has gripped us,
    pain like that of a woman in labor.(C)
25 Do not go out to the fields
    or walk on the roads,
for the enemy has a sword,
    and there is terror on every side.(D)
26 Put on sackcloth,(E) my people,
    and roll in ashes;(F)
mourn with bitter wailing(G)
    as for an only son,(H)
for suddenly the destroyer(I)
    will come upon us.

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