Study Desk

"Flee for safety, people of Benjamin! Flee from Jerusalem! Sound the trumpet in Tekoa! Raise the signal over Beth Hakkerem! For disaster looms out of the north, even terrible destruction.

I will destroy the Daughter of Zion, so beautiful and delicate.

Shepherds with their flocks will come against her; they will pitch their tents around her, each tending his own portion."

"Prepare for battle against her! Arise, let us attack at noon! But, alas, the daylight is fading, and the shadows of evening grow long.

So arise, let us attack at night and destroy her fortresses!"

This is what the LORD Almighty says: "Cut down the trees and build siege ramps against Jerusalem. This city must be punished; it is filled with oppression.

As a well pours out its water, so she pours out her wickedness. Violence and destruction resound in her; her sickness and wounds are ever before me.

Take warning, O Jerusalem, or I will turn away from you and make your land desolate so no one can live in it."