Jeremiah 6:22-30

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."