[1] Before the king of Egypt attacked the town of Gaza, the LORD told me to say to the Philistines: [2] I, the LORD, tell you that your land will be flooded with an army from the north. It will destroy your towns and sweep you away, moaning and screaming. [3] When you hear the thunder of horses and chariots, your courage will vanish, and parents will abandon their own children. [4] You refugees from Crete, your time has now come, and I will destroy you. None of you will be left to help the cities of Tyre and Sidon. [5] The Anakim who survive in Gaza and Ashkelon will mourn for you by shaving their heads and sitting in silence. [6] You ask how long will I continue to attack you with my sword, then you tell me to put it away and leave you alone. [7] But how can my sword rest, when I have commanded it to attack Ashkelon and the seacoast?
