Jeremiah 6:18-30

18Therefore hear, O nations, and know, O congregation, what will happen to them.

19Hear, O earth; behold, I am bringing disaster upon this people, the fruit of their devices, because they have not paid attention to my words; and as for my law, they have rejected it.

20What use to me is frankincense that comes from Sheba, or sweet cane from a distant land? Your burnt offerings are not acceptable, nor your sacrifices pleasing to me.

21Therefore thus says the Lord: 'Behold, I will lay before this people stumbling blocks against which they shall stumble; fathers and sons together, neighbor and friend shall perish.'"

22Thus says the Lord: "Behold, a people is coming from the north country, a great nation is stirring from the farthest parts of the earth.

23They lay hold on bow and javelin; they are cruel and have no mercy; the sound of them is like the roaring sea; they ride on horses, set in array as a man for battle, against you, O daughter of Zion!"

24We have heard the report of it; our hands fall helpless; anguish has taken hold of us, pain as of a woman in labor.

25Go not out into the field, nor walk on the road, for the enemy has a sword; terror is on every side.

26O daughter of my people, put on sackcloth, and roll in ashes; make mourning as for an only son, most bitter lamentation, for suddenly the destroyer will come upon us.

27"I have made you a tester of metals among my people, that you may know and test their ways.

28They are all stubbornly rebellious, going about with slanders; they are bronze and iron; all of them act corruptly.

29The bellows blow fiercely; the lead is consumed by the fire; in vain the refining goes on, for the wicked are not removed.

30Rejected silver they are called, for the Lord has rejected them."