23. They lay hold on bow and javelin;they are cruel and have no mercy; the sound of them is like the roaring sea;they ride on horses,set in array as a man for battle,against you, O daughter of Zion!”
24. We have heard the report of it; our hands fall helpless;anguish has taken hold of us, pain as of a woman in labor.
25. Go not out into the field,nor walk on the road,for the enemy has a sword; terror is on every side.
26. O daughter of my people, put on sackcloth,and roll in ashes; make mourning as for an only son,most bitter lamentation,for suddenly the destroyerwill come upon us.
27. “I have made you a tester of metals among my people,that you may know and test their ways.