38. A sword against the water suppliesso that they dry up.It is truly the land of idols,idols about which they have gone utterly mad!
39. Therefore, Babylonwill become a ghost town,a place for desert animals,hyenas, and ravenous birds.No one will live there again;no one will make it their home.
40. Just as God destroyed Sodomand Gomorrah and their neighbors,declares the Lord, so no one will live in Babylonor settle there again.
41. Look! An army is on the movefrom the northern regions.A powerful nationand many kings are comingfrom the ends of the earth.
42. Equipped with bow and spear,they are crueland show no mercy.Their horsemen soundlike the roaring sea,arrayed in battle formation against you,Daughter Babylon.
43. The king of Babylon has heardreports of themand is panic-stricken;distress overwhelms him,pain like that of a woman in labor.
44. Like a lion coming up fromthe jungle of the Jordanto a well-watered meadow,so I will suddenly chase down Babylonand single out its choicest of rams.Who is like me?Who can direct me?What shepherd can withstand me?
45. Therefore, listen to the counselthat the Lord has for Babylonand the plans he’s devisedagainst the land of Babylon:The little ones of the flockwill be dragged off,as their pasture watchesin utter disbelief.
46. The earth quakesat the sound of Babylon’s capture;its screams echothroughout the world.