¹⁵ People of Israel,” declares the Lord,
    “I am bringing a distant nation^(A) against you—
an ancient and enduring nation,
    a people whose language^(B) you do not know,
    whose speech you do not understand.
¹⁶ Their quivers^(C) are like an open grave;
    all of them are mighty warriors.
¹⁷ They will devour^(D) your harvests and food,
    devour^(E) your sons and daughters;
they will devour^(F) your flocks and herds,
    devour your vines and fig trees.^(G)
With the sword^(H) they will destroy
    the fortified cities^(I) in which you trust.^(J)

“Look, an army is coming
    from the land of the north;^(A)
a great nation is being stirred up
    from the ends of the earth.^(B)
23 They are armed with bow and spear;
    they are cruel and show no mercy.^(C)
They sound like the roaring sea^(D)
    as they ride on their horses;^(E)
they come like men in battle formation
    to attack you, Daughter Zion.^(F)”

²⁴ We have heard reports about them,
    and our hands hang limp.^(G)
Anguish^(H) has gripped us,
    pain like that of a woman in labor.^(I)
25 Do not go out to the fields
    or walk on the roads,
for the enemy has a sword,
    and there is terror on every side.^(J)
26 Put on sackcloth,^(K) my people,
    and roll in ashes;^(L)
mourn with bitter wailing^(M)
    as for an only son,^(N)
for suddenly the destroyer^(O)
    will come upon us.