2-3. Jerusalem is a lovely pasture,but shepherds will surround itand divide it up,then let their flockseat all the grass.
4. Kings will tell their troops,“If we reach Jerusalemin the morning,we'll attack at midday.But if we arrive later,
5. we'll attack after darkand destroy its fortresses.”
6. I am the Lord All-Powerful,and I will command these armiesto chop down treesand build a ramp up to the wallsof Jerusalem.People of Jerusalem,I must punish youfor your injustice.
7. Evil pours from your citylike water from a spring.Sounds of violent crimesecho within your walls;victims are everywhere,wounded and dying.
8. Listen to me,you people of Jerusalemand Judah.I will abandon you,and your land will becomean empty desert.
9. I will tell your enemiesto leave your nation barelike a vine stripped of grapes.I, the Lord All-Powerful,have spoken.
20. People of Judah,you bring me incense from Shebaand spices from distant lands.You offer sacrifices of all kinds.But why bother?I hate these gifts of yours!