23
I looked on the earth, and lo, it was waste and void; and to the heavens, and they had no light.
24
I looked on the mountains, and lo, they were quaking, and all the hills moved to and fro.
25
I looked, and lo, there was no one at all, and all the birds of the air had fled.
26
I looked, and lo, the fruitful land was a desert, and all its cities were laid in ruins before the Lord, before his fierce anger.
27
For thus says the Lord: The whole land shall be a desolation; yet I will not make a full end.
28
Because of this the earth shall mourn, and the heavens above grow black; for I have spoken, I have purposed; I have not relented nor will I turn back.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. (New Revised Standard)