²⁴ We have heard the news about that army,
    and we are paralyzed with fear.
We feel trapped by our troubles,
    in pain like a woman giving birth.
²⁵ Don’t go out into the fields.
    Don’t go on the roads
because the enemy has swords,
    and there is danger everywhere.
²⁶ My people, put on sackcloth
    and roll in the ashes.^[a]
Cry loudly for the dead.
    Cry as if you lost an only son.
Do this because the destroyer
    will come against us very quickly.