The report from the north

22Thus says Yahweh: Behold, a people is coming from the land of the north, and a great nation is stirred up from the farthest parts of the earth.

23They seize bow and javelin; they are cruel and show no mercy. Their sound roars like the sea, and they ride on horses, arrayed like a man for battle against you, daughter Zion.

24We have heard the report of it; our hands hang limp. Distress has seized us, pain like a woman giving birth.

25Do not go out into the field, and do not walk on the road, for the sword of the enemy and terror are on every side.

26Daughter of my people, put on sackcloth and roll in ashes; make mourning as for an only son, a most bitter lamentation, for suddenly the destroyer will come upon us.