20. In those days and at that time —this is the Lord’s declaration —one will search for Israel’s guilt,but there will be none,and for Judah’s sins,but they will not be found,for I will forgive those I leave as a remnant.
21. “Go against the land of Merathaim,and against those living in Pekod.Put them to the sword;completely destroy them —this is the Lord’s declaration —do everything I have commanded you.
22. The sound of war is in the land —a great destruction.
23. How the hammer of the whole earthis cut down and smashed!What a horror Babylon has becomeamong the nations!
24. Babylon, I laid a trap for you, and you were caught, but you did not even know it.You were found and capturedbecause you fought against the Lord.
25. The Lord opened His armoryand brought out His weapons of wrath, because it is a task of the Lord God of Hostsin the land of the Chaldeans.