He flashes destruction down upon the strong so that destruction overwhelms the fortified places.)

Cries of anguish will arise in Horonaim, ‘Oh, the ruin and great destruction!’

You will be protected from malicious gossip, and will not be afraid of the destruction when it comes.

You will laugh at destruction and famine and need not be afraid of the beasts of the earth.

The violence done by the wicked will drag them away because they refuse to do what is right.

for their hearts contemplate violence, and their lips speak harm.

Wail, for the Lord’s day of judgment is near; it comes with all the destructive power of the sovereign judge.

These double disasters confronted you. But who feels sorry for you? Destruction and devastation, famine and sword. But who consoles you?

How awful that day will be! For the day of the Lord is near; it will come as destruction from the Divine Destroyer.

“They do not know how to do what is right.” (The Lord is speaking.) “They store up the spoils of destructive violence in their fortresses.

Why do you force me to witness injustice? Why do you put up with wrongdoing? Destruction and violence confront me; conflict is present and one must endure strife.

“Because of the violence done to the oppressed, because of the painful cries of the needy, I will spring into action,” says the Lord. “I will provide the safety they so desperately desire.”

Please let the Moabite fugitives live among you. Hide them from the destroyer!” Certainly the one who applies pressure will cease, the destroyer will come to an end, those who trample will disappear from the earth.

So I say: “Don’t look at me! I am weeping bitterly. Don’t try to console me concerning the destruction of my defenseless people.”

They are eager to do evil, quick to shed innocent blood. Their thoughts are sinful; they crush and destroy.

Sounds of violence will no longer be heard in your land, or the sounds of destruction and devastation within your borders. You will name your walls, ‘Deliverance,’ and your gates, ‘Praise.’

As a well continually pours out fresh water so it continually pours out wicked deeds. Sounds of violence and destruction echo throughout it. All I see are sick and wounded people.’

For whenever I prophesy, I must cry out, “Violence and destruction are coming!” This message from the Lord has made me an object of continual insults and derision.

Woe to them! For they have fled from me! Destruction to them! For they have rebelled against me! I want to deliver them, but they have lied to me.

Look! Even if they flee from the destruction, Egypt will take hold of them, and Memphis will bury them. The weeds will inherit the silver they treasure – thorn bushes will occupy their homes.