40. I destroyed Sodom and Gomorrahand the nearby towns,and I will destroy Babylonjust as completely.No one will live there again.
41. Far to the north,a nation and its allieshave been awakened.They are powerfuland ready for war.
42. Bows and arrows and swordsare in their hands.The soldiers are crueland show no pity.The hoofbeats of their horsesecho like ocean wavescrashing against the shore.The army has lined up for battleand is coming to attack you,people of Babylonia!
43. Ever since your king heardabout this army,he has been weak with fear;he twists and turns in painlike a woman giving birth.
44. Babylonia, I will attack youlike a lion from the forest,attacking sheep in a meadowalong the Jordan.In a moment the flock runs,and the land is empty.Who will I choose to attack you?I will do it myself!No one can force me to fightor chase me away.
45. Listen to my plans for you,people of Babylonia.Your children will be dragged off,and your country destroyed.
46. The sounds of your destructionwill be heard among the nations,and the earth will shake.