“The whole land will be ruined,^(A)
    though I will not destroy^(B) it completely.
²⁸ Therefore the earth will mourn^(C)
    and the heavens above grow dark,^(D)
because I have spoken and will not relent,^(E)
    I have decided and will not turn back.^(F)”

²⁹ At the sound of horsemen and archers^(G)
    every town takes to flight.^(H)
Some go into the thickets;
    some climb up among the rocks.^(I)
All the towns are deserted;^(J)
    no one lives in them.