21. Therefore, the Lord proclaims:I’m putting obstacles before this people,and both parents and children will stumble over them;neighbor and friend alike will perish.
22. The Lord proclaims:An army is on the movefrom the northern regions;a great nation is rousedfrom the ends of the earth.
23. Equipped with bow and spear,they are cruel;they show no mercy.Their horsemen soundlike the roaring sea,arrayed in battle formationagainst you, Daughter Zion.
24. We have heard reports of themand are panic-stricken;distress overwhelms us,pain like that of a woman in labor.
25. Don’t go out into the field!Don’t walk on the road!The enemies’ swordterrorizes at every turn.