If I walk out into the field, look! those slain by the sword; If I enter the city, look! victims of famine. Both prophet and priest ply their trade in a land they do not know.
Yes, I hear the whisperings of many: “Terror on every side! Denounce! let us denounce him!” All those who were my friends are on the watch for any misstep of mine. “Perhaps he can be tricked; then we will prevail, and take our revenge on him.”
Proclaim it in Judah, in Jerusalem announce it; Blow the trumpet throughout the land, call out, “Fill the ranks!” Say, “Assemble, let us march to the fortified cities.”
What do I see? Are they panicking, falling apart? Their warriors are hammered back, They flee headlong never making a stand. Terror on every side— oracle of the Lord!
Their tents and flocks shall be taken away, their tent curtains and all their goods; Their camels they carry off, they shout over them, “Terror on every side!”
See, I am bringing terror upon you— oracle of the Lord God of hosts— from all around you; You shall be scattered, each in headlong flight, with no one to gather the fugitives.
Why do we remain here? Let us assemble and flee to the fortified cities, where we will meet our doom; For the Lord our God has doomed us, he has given us poisoned water to drink, because we have sinned against the Lord.
You summoned as to a feast day terrors on every side; On the day of the Lord’s wrath, none survived or escaped. Those I have borne and nurtured, my enemy has utterly destroyed.”
Cry out and howl, son of man, for it is destined for my people, For all the princes of Israel, victims of the sword with my people. Therefore, slap your thigh,