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The Enemy Besieges Jerusalem

“Flee to safety, you people of Benjamin,

leave Jerusalem.
Sound the trumpet in Tekoa,
    and raise a signal over Beth-haccerem!
For calamity and terrible destruction
    are turning toward you[a] from the north.
I’ll destroy the lovely and delicate
    Daughter of Zion.[b]
Shepherds and their flocks will come against her.
    They’ll pitch their tents all around her,
        and every one will tend his flock in his own place.
Prepare for war against her.
    Get ready, let’s attack at noon!
How terrible for us that the day is coming to an end,[c]
    and that the evening shadows are lengthening.
Get ready, let’s attack at night,
    and destroy her fortresses.”[d]

Instructions for the Attackers

For this is what the Lord of the Heavenly Armies says:
“Cut down trees and
    set up siege works against Jerusalem.
It is the city to be judged,
    and there is oppression throughout the entire city.[e]
As a well keeps its waters fresh,[f]
    so the city[g] keeps her wickedness fresh.[h]
Violence and destruction are heard in her,
    sickness and wounds are always before me.
Be warned, Jerusalem,
    or I’ll be alienated from you.
I’ll make you desolate,
    a land not inhabited.”

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Footnotes

  1. Jeremiah 6:1 The Heb. lacks toward you
  2. Jeremiah 6:2 I.e. Jerusalem
  3. Jeremiah 6:4 Lit. is turning
  4. Jeremiah 6:5 Or palaces
  5. Jeremiah 6:6 Lit. through her
  6. Jeremiah 6:7 Or cool
  7. Jeremiah 6:7 Lit. she
  8. Jeremiah 6:7 Or cool