Jeremiah 6:22-26

22This is what the Lord says: ‘Look! An army is coming from the north. A great nation is preparing to attack you from a place that is far away.

23Its soldiers carry bows and spears as their weapons. They are always cruel and they are never kind. They ride into the battle on their horses, and it sounds like the noise of the sea. They are ready to attack you, people of Jerusalem.’

24The people say, ‘We have heard news about them, and we are very frightened. We feel too weak to fight. We are afraid and in pain, like a woman who is giving birth.

25Do not go out into the fields. Do not travel on the roads. Our enemies are everywhere. They have their swords ready to attack us. Danger is all around us.’

26So I say, ‘My dear people, show that you are sorry. Wear sackcloth and sit in ashes. Weep and cry aloud, as if your only child had died. Realize that the enemy's army will soon be here and they are ready to destroy us.’