²² Thus says the Lord:
^(A)“Behold, a people is coming ^(B)from the north country,
    a great nation is stirring from ^(C)the farthest parts of the earth.
²³ They lay hold on bow and javelin;
    they are ^(D)cruel and have no mercy;
    ^(E)the sound of them is like the roaring sea;
they ride on horses,
    set in array as a man for battle,
    against you, O daughter of Zion!”
²⁴ We have heard the report of it;
    ^(F)our hands fall helpless;
anguish has taken hold of us,
    ^(G)pain as of a woman in labor.
²⁵ Go not out into the field,
    nor walk on the road,
for the enemy has a sword;
    ^(H)terror is on every side.
²⁶ O daughter of my people, ^(I)put on sackcloth,
    and ^(J)roll in ashes;
^(K)make mourning as for an only son,
    most bitter lamentation,
for suddenly the destroyer
    will come upon us.