10 Don’t tell our enemies in Gath* ;

don’t weep at all.

You people in Beth-leaphrah,*

roll in the dust to show your despair.

11 You people in Shaphir,*

go as captives into exile—naked and ashamed.

The people of Zaanan*

dare not come outside their walls.

The people of Beth-ezel* mourn,

for their house has no support.

12 The people of Maroth* anxiously wait for relief,

but only bitterness awaits them

as the Lord’s judgment reaches

even to the gates of Jerusalem.

13 Harness your chariot horses and flee,

you people of Lachish.*

You were the first city in Judah

to follow Israel in her rebellion,

and you led Jerusalem* into sin.

14 Send farewell gifts to Moresheth-gath* ;

there is no hope of saving it.

The town of Aczib*

has deceived the kings of Israel.

15 O people of Mareshah,*

I will bring a conqueror to capture your town.

And the leaders* of Israel

will go to Adullam.

16 Oh, people of Judah, shave your heads in sorrow,

for the children you love will be snatched away.

Make yourselves as bald as a vulture,

for your little ones will be exiled to distant lands.