1
Flee for safety, O children of Benjamin, from the midst of Jerusalem! Blow the trumpet in Tekoa, and raise a signal on Beth-haccherem; for evil looms out of the north, and great destruction.
2
I have likened daughter Zion to the loveliest pasture.
3
Shepherds with their flocks shall come against her. They shall pitch their tents around her; they shall pasture, all in their places.
4
"Prepare war against her; up, and let us attack at noon!" "Woe to us, for the day declines, the shadows of evening lengthen!"
5
"Up, and let us attack by night, and destroy her palaces!"
6
For thus says the Lord of hosts: Cut down her trees; cast up a siege ramp against Jerusalem. This is the city that must be punished; there is nothing but oppression within her.
7
As a well keeps its water fresh, so she keeps fresh her wickedness; violence and destruction are heard within her; sickness and wounds are ever before me.
8
Take warning, O Jerusalem, or I shall turn from you in disgust, and make you a desolation, an uninhabited land.