2. I will send strangers to Babylonwho will scatter her and strip her land bare, for they will come against herfrom every side in the day of disaster.
3. Don’t let the archer string his bow;don’t let him put on his armor. Don’t spare her young men;completely destroy her entire army!
4. Those who were slain will fall in the land of the Chaldeans,those who were pierced through, in her streets.
5. For Israel and Judah are not left widowedby their God, the Lord of Hosts,though their land is full of guiltagainst the Holy One of Israel.
6. Leave Babylon; save your lives, each of you! Don’t perish because of her guilt.For this is the time of the Lord’s vengeance —He will pay her what she deserves.
7. Babylon was a gold cup in the Lord’s hand, making the whole earth drunk.The nations drank her wine; therefore, the nations go mad.
8. Suddenly Babylon fell and was shattered.Wail for her;get balm for her wound —perhaps she can be healed.
9. We tried to heal Babylon,but she could not be healed.Abandon her!Let each of us go to his own land, for her judgment extends to the skyand reaches as far as the clouds.
10. The Lord has brought about our vindication; come, let’s tell in Zionwhat the Lord our God has accomplished.
11. Sharpen the arrows! Fill the quivers!The Lord has put it into the mindof the kings of the Medesbecause His plan is aimed at Babylonto destroy her,for it is the Lord’s vengeance,vengeance for His temple.
12. Raise up a signal flag against the walls of Babylon;fortify the watch post;set the watchmen in place;prepare the ambush.For the Lord has both planned and accomplishedwhat He has threatenedagainst those who live in Babylon.
13. You who reside by many waters, rich in treasures,your end has come,your life thread is cut.
14. The Lord of Hosts has sworn by Himself:I will fill you up with men as with locusts,and they will sing the victory song over you.
15. He made the earth by His power,established the world by His wisdom, and spread out the heavens by His understanding.
16. When He thunders, the waters in the heavens are in turmoil, and He causes the cloudsto rise from the ends of the earth.He makes lightning for the rainand brings the wind from His storehouses.