An Invasion from the North

This is what the LORD says:

“ Behold, an army is coming

from the land of the north;

a great nation is stirred up

from the ends of the earth.

23 

They grasp the bow and spear;[fn]

they [are] cruel vvv and merciless.

Their voice roars like the sea,

and they ride upon horses,

lined up like men in formation

against you, O Daughter of Zion.”

24 

We have heard the report;

our hands hang limp.

Anguish has gripped us,

pain like that of a woman in labor.

25 

Do not go out to the fields;

do not walk the road.

For the enemy has a sword;

terror is on every side.

26 

O daughter of my people,

dress yourselves in sackcloth and roll in ashes.

Mourn with bitter wailing,

as you would for an only son,

for suddenly the destroyer

will come upon us.

27 

“ I have appointed you to examine My people like ore,[fn]

so you may know and try their ways.

28 

All are hardened rebels,

walking around as slanderers.

They are bronze and iron;

all of them are corrupt

29 

The bellows blow fiercely,

{blasting away} the lead with fire.

The refining [proceeds] in vain,

for the wicked are not purged.

30 

They are called rejected silver,

because the LORD has rejected them.” 7