23They lay hold on bow and spear; they are cruel, and have no mercy; their voice roars like the sea, and they ride on horses, everyone set in array, as a man to the battle, against you, daughter of Zion.
24We have heard the report of it; our hands wax feeble: anguish has taken hold of us, [and] pangs as of a woman in travail.
25Don`t go forth into the field, nor walk by the way; for the sword of the enemy, [and] terror, are on every side.
26Daughter of my people, gird you with sackcloth, and wallow yourself in ashes: make you mourning, as for an only son, most bitter lamentation; for the destroyer shall suddenly come on us.
27I have made you a tester of metals [and] a fortress among my people; that you may know and try their way.
28They are all grievous rebels, going about with slanders; they are brass and iron: they all of them deal corruptly.
29The bellows blow fiercely; the lead is consumed of the fire: in vain do they go on refining; for the wicked are not plucked away.
