6 Escape, people of Benjamin,
    get out of Jerusalem!
Blow the trumpet in Tekoa,
    sound the alarm in Beth-haccherem;
        for disaster looms from the north,
        massive devastation.
² You are like a lovely pasture, Daughter Zion.^[a]
3     Shepherds come to her with their flocks.
    They pitch their tents around her
        and graze in their place.
⁴ “Prepare for battle against her;
    get ready; let’s attack by noon!
Oh, no! Daylight is fading,
    and the evening shadows lengthen.
⁵ Get ready, let’s attack by night
    and destroy her fortresses!”
⁶ The Lord of heavenly forces proclaims:
Cut down her trees,
    and build siege ramps against Jerusalem.
This city must be held accountable,^[b]
    for there’s nothing but oppression in her midst.
⁷ As a well brings forth fresh water,
    she brings forth evil.
Violence and destruction are heard within her;
    injury and wounds are ever before me.
⁸ Hear me out,^[c] Jerusalem,
    or else I’ll turn away from you
        and reduce you to ruins,
        a land unfit to live in.