1. This is a message about Babylonia.Like a whirlwind sweeping across the desert, disaster will come from a terrifying land.
2. I have seen a vision of cruel events, a vision of betrayal and destruction.Army of Elam, attack! Army of Media, lay siege to the cities! God will put an end to the suffering which Babylon has caused.
3. What I saw and heard in the vision has filled me with terror and pain, pain like that of a woman in labour.
4. My head is spinning, and I am trembling with fear. I had been longing for evening to come, but it has brought me nothing but terror.
5. In the vision a banquet is ready; rugs are spread for the guests to sit on. They are eating and drinking. Suddenly the command rings out: “Officers! Prepare your shields!”
6. Then the Lord said to me, “Go and post a sentry, and tell him to report what he sees.
7. If he sees men coming on horseback, two by two, and men riding on donkeys and camels, he is to observe them carefully.”
8. The sentry calls out, “Sir, I have been standing guard at my post day and night.”
9. Suddenly, here they come! Men on horseback, two by two. The sentry gives the news, “Babylon has fallen! All the idols they worshipped lie shattered on the ground.”