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12 Therefore, thus says the Holy One of Israel:
    Because you reject this word,
And put your trust in oppression and deceit,
    and depend on them,(A)
13 This iniquity of yours shall be
    like a descending rift
Bulging out in a high wall
    whose crash comes suddenly, in an instant,(B)
14 Crashing like a potter’s jar
    smashed beyond rescue,
And among its fragments cannot be found
    a sherd to scoop fire from the hearth
    or dip water from the cistern.(C)
15 For thus said the Lord God,
    the Holy One of Israel:
By waiting and by calm you shall be saved,
    in quiet and in trust shall be your strength.
    But this you did not will.(D)
16 “No,” you said,
    “Upon horses we will flee.”
    Very well, you shall flee!
“Upon swift steeds we will ride.”
    Very well, swift shall be your pursuers!(E)
17 A thousand shall tremble at the threat of one—
    if five threaten, you shall flee.
You will then be left like a flagstaff on a mountaintop,
    like a flag on a hill.(F)

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