21For this reason the Lord has said, See, I will put stones in the way of this people: and the fathers and the sons together will go falling over them; the neighbour and his friend will come to destruction.
22The Lord has said, See, a people is coming from the north country, a great nation will be put in motion from the inmost parts of the earth.
23Bows and spears are in their hands; they are cruel and have no mercy; their voice is like the thunder of the sea, and they go on horses; everyone in his place like men going to the fight, against you, O daughter of Zion.
24The news of it has come to our ears; our hands have become feeble: trouble has come on us and pain, like the pain of a woman in childbirth.
25Go not out into the field or by the way; for there is the sword of the attacker, and fear on every side.
26O daughter of my people, put on haircloth, rolling yourself in the dust: give yourself to sorrow, as for an only son, with most bitter cries of grief; for he who makes waste will come on us suddenly.
27I have made you a tester among my people, so that you may have knowledge of their way and put it to the test.
