Jeremiah 6:22-30

22Thus says the Lord: “Behold, a people comes from the north country, And a great nation will be raised from the farthest parts of the earth.

23They will lay hold on bow and spear; They are cruel and have no mercy; Their voice roars like the sea; And they ride on horses, As men of war set in array against you, O daughter of Zion.”

24We have heard the report of it; Our hands grow feeble. Anguish has taken hold of us, Pain as of a woman in labor.

25Do not go out into the field, Nor walk by the way. Because of the sword of the enemy, Fear is on every side.

26O daughter of my people, Dress in sackcloth And roll about in ashes! Make mourning as for an only son, most bitter lamentation; For the plunderer will suddenly come upon us.

27“I have set you as an assayer and a fortress among My people, That you may know and test their way.

28They are all stubborn rebels, walking as slanderers. They are bronze and iron, They are all corrupters;

29The bellows blow fiercely, The lead is consumed by the fire; The smelter refines in vain, For the wicked are not drawn off.

30People will call them rejected silver, Because the Lord has rejected them.”