1. The Lord proclaims:I’m stirring up a violent windagainst Babylonand those who live in Leb-qamai.
2. I will send mercenaries to Babylonwho will sift her and clear out her land.They will surround heron the day of disaster.
3. Let the archers draw their bows;let them prepare their armor.Show no mercy to her young men;wipe out her entire company!
4. They will fall woundedin the land of Babylon,struck down in her streets.
5. God, the Lord of heavenly forces,hasn’t abandoned Israel and Judah,even though they livein a land filled with guiltbefore the holy one of Israel.
6. Escape from Babylon;each of you run for your lives!Don’t perish because of her guilt,because this is the timefor the Lord’s retribution,a day of reckoningfor all that Babylon has done.
7. Babylon was a gold cupin the Lord’s hand;it made the whole earth drunk.The nations drank her wineand went mad.
8. But suddenly Babylon felland shattered into pieces.Wail for her!Bring medicine for her pain;perhaps she will recover.