Threatened Siege of Jerusalem

“Run for cover(A)
out of Jerusalem, Benjaminites.
Sound the ram’s horn(B) in Tekoa;(C)
raise a smoke signal(D) over Beth-haccherem,[a]
for disaster threatens from the north,(E)
even a crushing blow.
Though she is beautiful and delicate,
I will destroy[b] Daughter Zion.
Shepherds and their flocks will come against her;
they will pitch their tents all around her.(F)
Each will pasture his own portion.
Set them apart for war(G) against her;
rise up, let’s attack at noon.
Woe to us, for the day is passing;
the evening shadows grow long.
Rise up, let’s attack by night.
Let’s destroy her fortresses.”

For this is what the Lord of Armies says:

Cut down the trees;(H)
raise a siege ramp against Jerusalem.
This city must be punished.
There is nothing but oppression within her.(I)
As a well gushes out its water,
so she pours out her evil.[c]
Violence and destruction(J) resound in her.
Sickness and wounds keep coming to my attention.
Be warned, Jerusalem,
or I will turn away from you;(K)
I will make you a desolation,
a land without inhabitants.(L)

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Notas al pie

  1. 6:1 = House of the Vineyard
  2. 6:2 Or silence
  3. 6:7 Or well keeps its water fresh, so she keeps her evil fresh

The Enemy Besieges Jerusalem

“Flee to safety, you people of Benjamin,

leave Jerusalem.
Sound the trumpet in Tekoa,
    and raise a signal over Beth-haccerem!
For calamity and terrible destruction
    are turning toward you[a] from the north.
I’ll destroy the lovely and delicate
    Daughter of Zion.[b]
Shepherds and their flocks will come against her.
    They’ll pitch their tents all around her,
        and every one will tend his flock in his own place.
Prepare for war against her.
    Get ready, let’s attack at noon!
How terrible for us that the day is coming to an end,[c]
    and that the evening shadows are lengthening.
Get ready, let’s attack at night,
    and destroy her fortresses.”[d]

Instructions for the Attackers

For this is what the Lord of the Heavenly Armies says:
“Cut down trees and
    set up siege works against Jerusalem.
It is the city to be judged,
    and there is oppression throughout the entire city.[e]
As a well keeps its waters fresh,[f]
    so the city[g] keeps her wickedness fresh.[h]
Violence and destruction are heard in her,
    sickness and wounds are always before me.
Be warned, Jerusalem,
    or I’ll be alienated from you.
I’ll make you desolate,
    a land not inhabited.”

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Notas al pie

  1. Jeremiah 6:1 The Heb. lacks toward you
  2. Jeremiah 6:2 I.e. Jerusalem
  3. Jeremiah 6:4 Lit. is turning
  4. Jeremiah 6:5 Or palaces
  5. Jeremiah 6:6 Lit. through her
  6. Jeremiah 6:7 Or cool
  7. Jeremiah 6:7 Lit. she
  8. Jeremiah 6:7 Or cool