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22     Look in the distance, and you will see an army
        marching toward you out of the north.
    A nation whose size and might you can’t imagine
        is now awakening and coming from the remote parts of the earth.
23     They are armed with bows and spears.
        Their hearts are cruel and will show you no mercy.
    The sound of their massive army,
        riding in on their horses, is like the sound of an angry sea;
    They are ready for battle, marching in formation,
        coming to destroy you, O Jerusalem, daughter of Zion.

As clear as God’s pronouncements have been, there must be a moment of decision. The warnings are all invitations for the people of Jerusalem to return to the God who loves them. But their fate is up to them; it is their choice. At this place of decision, long overdue, Jeremiah voices the fear in the hearts of those who hear of the impending attack. Speaking for the nation, he once again responds to God’s awesome decree.

24 We heard the news, and our strength vanished—anguish and fear grip us.
    We twist in pain like a woman giving birth.

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22 This is what the Lord says:

“Look, an army is coming
    from the land of the north;(A)
a great nation is being stirred up
    from the ends of the earth.(B)
23 They are armed with bow and spear;
    they are cruel and show no mercy.(C)
They sound like the roaring sea(D)
    as they ride on their horses;(E)
they come like men in battle formation
    to attack you, Daughter Zion.(F)

24 We have heard reports about them,
    and our hands hang limp.(G)
Anguish(H) has gripped us,
    pain like that of a woman in labor.(I)

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