The watchman replies, “Morning is coming, but then night. ¹  If you want to ask, ask; come back again.” ² 

They come in as through a wide breach; amid the crash ¹  they come rolling in. ² 

For the very thing I dreaded ¹  has happened ²  to me, and what I feared has come upon me. ³ 

For the years that lie ahead are few, ¹  and then I will go on the way of no return. ² 

From the north he comes in golden splendor; ¹  around God is awesome majesty.

The coastlands ¹  see and are afraid; the whole earth ²  trembles; they approach and come.

All you wild animals in the fields, come and devour, all you wild animals in the forest!

They come with red cloth ¹  from Egypt, Ethiopia ²  voluntarily offers tribute ³  to God.

when what you dread ¹  comes like a whirlwind, ²  and disaster strikes you ³  like a devastating storm, ⁴  when distressing trouble ⁵  comes on you.

Bring out some water for the thirsty. You who live in the land of Tema, bring some food for the fugitives.

Each one says, ¹  ‘Come on, I’ll get some wine! Let’s guzzle some beer! Tomorrow will be just like today! We’ll have everything we want!’ ² 

Come back to me, you wayward people. I want to cure your waywardness. ¹  Say, ²  ‘Here we are. We come to you because you are the Lord our God.

He said:The Lord came from Sinai and revealed himself ¹  to Israel ²  from Seir. He appeared in splendor ³  from Mount Paran, and came forth with ten thousand holy ones. ⁴  With his right hand he gave a fiery law ⁵  to them.

He has selected the best part for himself, for the portion of the ruler ¹  is set aside ²  there; he came with the leaders ³  of the people, he obeyed the righteous laws of the Lord and his ordinances with Israel.

Predict how future events will turn out, ¹  so we might know you are gods. Yes, do something good or bad, so we might be frightened and in awe. ² 

I have stirred up one out of the north ¹  and he advances, one from the eastern horizon who prays in my name. ²  He steps on ³  rulers as if they were clay, like a potter treading the clay.

Who is like me? Let him make his claim! ¹  Let him announce it and explain it to me – since I established an ancient people – ²  let them announce future events! ³ 

This is what the Lord says, the Holy One of Israel, ¹  the one who formed him, concerning things to come: ²  “How dare you question me ³  about my children! How dare you tell me what to do with ⁴  the work of my own hands!

The people I call my own attack me like birds of prey or like hyenas. ¹  But other birds of prey are all around them. ²  Let all the nations gather together like wild beasts. Let them come and destroy these people I call my own. ³ 

As for you, watchtower for the flock, ¹  fortress of Daughter Zion ²  – your former dominion will be restored, ³  the sovereignty that belongs to Daughter Jerusalem.