Weeping and Mourning

8 Because of this I will weepz and wail;

I will go about barefoota and naked.

I will howl like a jackal

and moan like an owl.

9 For Samaria’s plagueb is incurable;c

it has spread to Judah.d

It has reached the very gatee of my people,

even to Jerusalem itself.

10 Tell it not in Gatha;

weep not at all.

In Beth Ophrahb

roll in the dust.

11 Pass by nakedf and in shame,

you who live in Shaphir.c

Those who live in Zaanand

will not come out.

Beth Ezel is in mourning;

it no longer protects you.

12 Those who live in Marothe writhe in pain,

waiting for relief,g

because disasterh has come from the Lord,

even to the gate of Jerusalem.

13 You who live in Lachish,i

harness fast horses to the chariot.

You are where the sin of Daughter Zionj began,

for the transgressions of Israel were found in you.

14 Therefore you will give parting giftsk

to Moreshethl Gath.

The town of Akzibf m will prove deceptiven

to the kings of Israel.

15 I will bring a conqueror against you

who live in Mareshah.g o

The nobles of Israel

will flee to Adullam.p

16 Shaveq your head in mourning

for the children in whom you delight;

make yourself as bald as the vulture,

for they will go from you into exile.r