18. So the Lord said, “Listen, you nations, and learn what is going to happen to my people.
19. Listen, earth! As punishment for all their schemes I am bringing ruin on these people, because they have rejected my teaching and have not obeyed my words.
20. What do I care about the incense they bring me from Sheba, or the spices from a distant land? I will not accept their offerings or be pleased with their sacrifices.
21. And so I will make these people stumble and fall. Parents and children will die, and so will friends and neighbours.”
22. The Lord says, “People are coming from a country in the north; a mighty nation far away is preparing for war.
23. They have taken up their bows and swords; they are cruel and merciless. They sound like the roaring sea, as they ride their horses. They are ready for battle against Jerusalem.”