A reading from the book of Jeremiah.

Flee for safety, O people of Benjamin, from the midst of Jerusalem.

Blow the trumpet in Tekoa, and raise a signal on Bethakaram,

for disaster looms out of the north and great destruction.

The lovely and delicately bred I will destroy, the daughter of Zion.

Shepherds with their flocks shall come against her. They shall pitch their tents around her.

They shall pasture each in his place. Prepare war against her, arise, and let us attack at noon.

Woe to us, for the day declines, for the shadows of evening lengthen. Arise, and let us attack

by night and destroy her palaces. For thus says the Lord of hosts, cut down her trees,

cast up a siege mound against Jerusalem,

This is the city that must be punished.

There is nothing but oppression within her.

As a well keeps its water fresh,

So she keeps fresh her evil.

Violence and destruction are heard within her.

Sickness and wounds are ever before me.

Be warned, O Jerusalem, lest I turn from you in disgust,

lest I make you a desolation and uninhabited land.

Thus says the Lord of hosts, they shall glean thoroughly as a vine,

the remnant of Israel, like a grape-gatherer pass your hand again over its branches.

To whom shall I speak and give warning that they may hear? Behold, their ears are uncircumcised.

They cannot listen.

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