The watchman replies, “Morning is coming, but then night. If you want to ask, ask; come back again.”

They come in as through a wide breach; amid the crash they come rolling in.

For the very thing I dreaded has happened to me, and what I feared has come upon me.

For the years that lie ahead are few, and then I will go on the way of no return.

From the north he comes in golden splendor; around God is awesome majesty.

The coastlands see and are afraid; the whole earth trembles; they approach and come.

All you wild animals in the fields, come and devour, all you wild animals in the forest!

They come with red cloth from Egypt, Ethiopia voluntarily offers tribute to God.

when what you dread comes like a whirlwind, and disaster strikes you like a devastating storm, when distressing trouble comes on you.

Bring out some water for the thirsty. You who live in the land of Tema, bring some food for the fugitives.

Each one says, ‘Come on, I’ll get some wine! Let’s guzzle some beer! Tomorrow will be just like today! We’ll have everything we want!’

Come back to me, you wayward people. I want to cure your waywardness. Say, ‘Here we are. We come to you because you are the Lord our God.

He said:The Lord came from Sinai and revealed himself to Israel from Seir. He appeared in splendor from Mount Paran, and came forth with ten thousand holy ones. With his right hand he gave a fiery law to them.

He has selected the best part for himself, for the portion of the ruler is set aside there; he came with the leaders of the people, he obeyed the righteous laws of the Lord and his ordinances with Israel.

Predict how future events will turn out, so we might know you are gods. Yes, do something good or bad, so we might be frightened and in awe.

I have stirred up one out of the north and he advances, one from the eastern horizon who prays in my name. He steps on rulers as if they were clay, like a potter treading the clay.

Who is like me? Let him make his claim! Let him announce it and explain it to me – since I established an ancient people – let them announce future events!

This is what the Lord says, the Holy One of Israel, the one who formed him, concerning things to come: “How dare you question me about my children! How dare you tell me what to do with the work of my own hands!

The people I call my own attack me like birds of prey or like hyenas. But other birds of prey are all around them. Let all the nations gather together like wild beasts. Let them come and destroy these people I call my own.

As for you, watchtower for the flock, fortress of Daughter Zion – your former dominion will be restored, the sovereignty that belongs to Daughter Jerusalem.