1. This is the divine revelation about the desert by the sea.Like a storm sweeping through the Negev,an invader will come from the desert,from a terrifying land.
2. I was shown a harsh vision.The traitor betrays.The destroyer destroys.Go to war, Elam!Surround them, Media!I will put an end to all the groaning.
3. That is why my body is full of trembling.Pain grips me like the pain of childbirth.I’m disturbed by what I hear.I’m terrified by what I see.
4. I’m confused.I’m shaking with terror.The twilight hours I longed for make me tremble.
5. Set the table.Spread the rugs ⌊by the table⌋.Eat. Drink.Get up, you leaders!Prepare your shields for battle!
6. This is what the Lord says to me:Post a watchman.Have him report whatever he sees.
7. He will see chariots, pairs of horsemen,riders on donkeys, and riders on camels.Let him watch carefully, very carefully.
8. The watchman called,“Sir, I stand on the watchtower every day.Every night, I stand guard at my post.
9. Look! Here come chariots and horsemen in pairs.”Then he said,“Babylon has fallen! It has fallen!All the idols they worship lie shattered on the ground.”
10. You, my people, have been threshed and winnowed.I make known to you what I heard from the Lord of Armies,the God of Israel.
11. This is the divine revelation about Dumah.Someone is calling to me from Seir,“Watchman, how much of the night is left?Watchman, how much of the night is left?”
12. The watchman answers,“Morning is coming, and night will come again.If you need to ask, come back and ask.”