1:8 For this reason I will mourn and wail;
I will walk around barefoot and without my outer garments.
I will howl like a wild dog,
and screech like an owl.
1:9 For Samaria’s disease is incurable.
It has infected Judah;
it has spread to the leadership of my people
and has even contaminated Jerusalem!
1:10 Don’t spread the news in Gath!
Don’t shed even a single tear!
In Beth Leaphrah sit in the dust!
1:11 Residents of Shaphir, pass by in nakedness and humiliation!
The residents of Zaanan can’t leave their city.
Beth Ezel mourns,
“He takes from you what he desires.”
1:12 Indeed, the residents of Maroth hope for something good to happen,
though the Lord has sent disaster against the city of Jerusalem.
1:13 Residents of Lachish, hitch the horses to the chariots!
You influenced Daughter Zion to sin,
for Israel’s rebellious deeds can be traced back to you!
1:14 Therefore you will have to say farewell to Moresheth Gath.
The residents of Achzib will be as disappointing
as a dried up well to the kings of Israel.
1:15 Residents of Mareshah, a conqueror will attack you,
the leaders of Israel shall flee to Adullam.
1:16 Shave your heads bald as you mourn for the children you love;
shave your foreheads as bald as an eagle,
for they are taken from you into exile.