The scorching wind

11At that time this people and Jerusalem will be told: A scorching wind from the bare heights in the wilderness is blowing toward the daughter of my people—not to winnow or clean the grain.

12A wind too strong for those tasks will come at my bidding; now I too will pronounce judgment against them.

13Look, the invader advances like clouds; his chariots are like a whirlwind, and his horses are swifter than eagles. Woe to us, for we are ruined!

14Wash your heart clean of evil, Jerusalem, so that you may be saved. How long will your wicked thoughts lodge within you?

15For a voice is sounding the alarm from Dan and proclaiming disaster from the hill country of Ephraim.

16Declare it to the nations! Look, proclaim it concerning Jerusalem: Besiegers are coming from a distant land and raising their battle cry against the cities of Judah.

17Like guards watching a field, they surround her, because she has rebelled against me, declares Yahweh.

18Your conduct and your deeds have brought this upon you. This is your calamity—how bitter it is! For it has reached your very heart.