An Invasion from the North

22This 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.

23They grasp the bow and spear;

they are cruel 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.”

24We have heard the report;

our hands hang limp.

Anguish has gripped us,

pain like that of a woman in labor.

25Do not go out to the fields;

do not walk the road.

For the enemy has a sword;

terror is on every side.

26O 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,

so you may know and try their ways.

28All are hardened rebels,

walking around as slanderers.

They are bronze and iron;

all of them are corrupt.

29The bellows blow fiercely,

blasting away the lead with fire.

The refining proceeds in vain,

for the wicked are not purged.

30They are called rejected silver,

because the LORD has rejected them.”