20
Why do you bring me offerings of incense from the land of Sheba? Why do you bring me sweet-smelling cane from a faraway land? Your burnt offerings will not be accepted; your sacrifices do not please me."
21
So this is what the Lord says: "I will put problems in front of Judah. Fathers and sons will stumble over them together. Neighbors and friends will die."
22
This is what the Lord says: "Look, an army is coming from the land of the north; a great nation is coming from the far sides of the earth.
23
The soldiers carry bows and spears. They are cruel and show no mercy. They sound like the roaring ocean when they ride their horses. That army is coming lined up for battle, ready to attack you, Jerusalem."
24
We have heard the news about that army and are helpless from fear. We are gripped by our pain, like a woman having a baby.