9. Give wings to Moab,and it would fly awaybecause its towns lie in ruins,with no one left in them.
10. Cursed is the one who is halfheartedin doing the Lord’s work.Cursed is the one who restrainsthe sword from bloodshed.
11. From early on Moab has been at ease,like wine left to settle on its sediment.It hasn’t been poured into jars;nor has Moab been taken into exile.Therefore, its taste is still pleasant,and its aroma is the same.
12. But the time is coming, declares the Lord, when I will send to him someone to spill it—to pour out his wine and to smash his jars.
13. And Moab will be put to shame on account of Chemosh, just as the people of Israel were put to shame on account of Bethel, in which they trusted.
14. How can you claim,"We’re soldiers; we’re war heroes"?
15. Moab is doomed;its towns will surrender;its elite forces will go down in defeat,declares the king whose name is the Lord of heavenly forces.
16. Moab’s destruction is near;its downfall approaches rapidly.
17. Grieve for this nation,you neighbors of Moab,all you who know his name.Proclaim how its mighty scepterand magnificent staff are shattered!
18. Come down from your lofty placeand sit in the dust,you inhabitants of Daughter Dibon;because Moab’s destroyerhas arrived to level your fortresses.
19. Stand by the roads and watch,you inhabitants of Aroer.Ask the men who fleeand the women who run off,"What’s happened?"
20. Moab is shamed and shocked;weep and wail!Tell it by the Arnon River:Moab’s been destroyed!
21. Judgment has come to the towns of the plateau—to Holon, Jahzah, and Mephaath,