16. They will see their childrenbeaten against rocks,their homes robbed,and their wives abused.
17. The Medes can't be bought offwith silver or gold,and I'm sending themto attack Babylonia.
18. Their arrows will slaughterthe young men;no pity will be shownto babies and children.
19. The city of Babylonis glorious and powerful,the pride of the nation.But it will be like the citiesof Sodom and Gomorrahafter I, the Lord,destroyed them.
20. No one will live in Babylon.Even nomads won't camp nearby,and shepherds won't lettheir sheep rest there.
21. Only desert creatures,owls, and ostricheswill live in its ruins,and goats will leap about.
22. Hyenas and wolves will howlfrom Babylon's fortressesand beautiful palaces.Its time is almost up!