6 ²² Thus says Yahweh:
"Behold, a people is coming from the north country,
a great nation is stirring from the farthest parts of the earth.
6 ²³ They lay hold on bow and spear,
they are cruel and have no mercy,
the sound of them is like the roaring sea;
they ride upon horses,
set in array as a man for battle, against you,
O daughter of Zion!"
6 ²⁴ We have heard the report of it,
our hands fall helpless;
anguish has taken hold of us,
pain as of a woman in travail.
6 ²⁵ Go not forth into the field,
nor walk on the road;
for the enemy has a sword,
terror is on every side.
6 ²⁶ O daughter of my people, gird on sackcloth,
and roll in ashes;
make mourning as for an only son,
most bitter lamentation;
for suddenly the destroyer
will come upon us.

6 ²⁷ "I have made you an assayer and tester among my people,
that you may know and assay their ways.
6 ²⁸ They are all stubbornly rebellious,
going about with slanders;
they are bronze and iron,
all of them act corruptly.
6 ²⁹ The bellows blow fiercely,
the lead is consumed by the fire;
in vain the refining goes on,
for the wicked are not removed.
6 ³⁰ Refuse silver they are called,
for Yahweh has rejected them."