Jeremiah 6:22-26

The Voice

²²    Look in the distance, and you will see an army
        marching toward you out of the north.
    A nation whose size and might you can’t imagine
        is now awakening and coming from the remote parts of the earth.
²³    They are armed with bows and spears.
        Their hearts are cruel and will show you no mercy.
    The sound of their massive army,
        riding in on their horses, is like the sound of an angry sea;
    They are ready for battle, marching in formation,
        coming to destroy you, O Jerusalem, daughter of Zion.

As clear as God’s pronouncements have been, there must be a moment of decision. The warnings are all invitations for the people of Jerusalem to return to the God who loves them. But their fate is up to them; it is their choice. At this place of decision, long overdue, Jeremiah voices the fear in the hearts of those who hear of the impending attack. Speaking for the nation, he once again responds to God’s awesome decree.

²⁴We heard the news, and our strength vanished—anguish and fear grip us.
    We twist in pain like a woman giving birth.
²⁵Do not go into the field alone.
    Do not walk the streets, for our enemy is armed and approaching fast.
    Terror is everywhere we turn.
²⁶You who are my people, weep with me for it is time.
    Put on sackcloth and roll in ashes.
Cry as you would for the loss of an only child.
    The time for bitter tears has come.
The destroyer is descending upon us quickly,
    and the days of sadness will soon begin.