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