27. Signal the nationsto get ready to attack.Raise a flag and blow a trumpet.Send for the armies of Ararat,Minni, and Ashkenaz.Choose a commander;let the cavalry attacklike a swarm of locusts.
28. Tell the kings and governors,the leaders and the peopleof the kingdoms of the Medesto prepare for war!
29. The earth twists and turnsin torment,because I have decidedto make Babylonia a desertwhere no one can live,and I won't change my mind.
30. The Babylonian soldiershave lost their strengthand courage.They stay in their fortresses,unable to fight,while the enemy breaks throughthe city gates,then sets their homes on fire.
31. One messenger after anotherannounces to the king,“Babylon has been captured!
32. The enemy now controlsthe river crossings!The marshes are on fire!Your army has panicked!”
33. I am the Lord All-Powerful,the God of Israel,and I make this promise—“Soon Babylon will be levelledand packed downlike a threshing placeat harvest time.”
34. The people of Jerusalem say,“King Nebuchadnezzarmade us panic.That monster stuffed himselfwith us and our treasures,leaving us empty—he gobbled upwhat he wantedand spat out the rest.
35. The people of Babyloniaharmed some of usand killed others.Now, Lord, make them pay!”
36. My people, I am on your side,and I will take revengeon Babylon.I will cut off its water supply,and its stream will dry up.
37. Babylon will be a pile of rubblewhere only jackals live.People will laugh,but they will be afraidto walk among the ruins.
38. The Babylonians roar and growllike young lions.