1
"Run for your lives, people of Benjamin! Run away from Jerusalem! Disaster is coming from the north; terrible destruction is coming to you.
2
Jerusalem, I will destroy you, you who are fragile and gentle.
3
Shepherds with their flocks will come against Jerusalem. They will set up their tents all around her, each shepherd taking care of his own section."
4
They say, "Get ready to fight against Jerusalem! But it is already getting late; the evening shadows are growing long.
5
So get up! We will attack at night.
6
This is what the Lord All-Powerful says: "Cut down the trees around Jerusalem, and build an attack ramp to the top of its walls. This city must be punished. Inside it is nothing but slavery.
7
Jerusalem pours out her evil as a well pours out its water. The sounds of violence and destruction are heard within her. I can see the sickness and hurts of Jerusalem.
8
Listen to this warning, Jerusalem, or I will turn my back on you and make your land an empty desert where no one can live."
9
This is what the Lord All-Powerful says: "Gather the few people of Israel who are left alive, as you would gather the last grapes on a grapevine. Check each vine again, like someone who gathers grapes."