4. The slain shall fall in the land of Chaldea,the wounded, in its streets;
5. For Israel and Judah are not left widowedby their God, the Lord of hosts,Even though the land is full of guiltagainst the Holy One of Israel.
6. Flee from Babylon;each of you save your own life,do not perish because of her guilt;This is a time of retribution from the Lord,
7. who pays out her due.Babylon was a golden cup in the hand of the Lordmaking the whole earth drunk;The nations drank its wine,thus they have gone mad.
8. Babylon suddenly falls and is broken:wail over her!Bring balm for her wounds,in case she can be healed.
9. “We have tried to heal Babylon,but she cannot be healed.Leave her, each of us must go to our own land.”The judgment against her reaches the heavens,it touches the clouds.
10. The Lord has brought forth our vindication;come, let us tell in Zionwhat the Lord, our God, has done.
11. Sharpen the arrows,fill the quivers;The Lord has stirred up the spirit of the kings of the Medes,for his resolve is Babylon’s destruction.Yes, it is retribution from the Lord,retribution for his temple.
12. Over the walls of Babylon raise a signal,reinforce the watch;Post sentries,arrange ambushes!For the Lord has both planned and carried outwhat he spoke against the inhabitants of Babylon.
13. You who dwell by mighty waters,rich in treasure,Your end has come,the time at which you shall be cut off!
14. The Lord of hosts has sworn by himself:I will fill you with people as numerous as locusts,who shall raise over you a joyous shout!
15. He made the earth by his power,established the world by wisdom,and by his skill stretched out the heavens.
16. When he thunders, the waters in the heavens roar,he summons clouds from the ends of the earth,Makes lightning flash in the rain,and brings out winds from their storehouses.
17. Every man is stupid, ignorant;every artisan is put to shame by his idol:He molds a fraud,without life-breath.
18. They are nothing, a ridiculous work,that will perish at the time of punishment.
19. Jacob’s portion is nothing like them:he is the creator of all things.Israel is his very own tribe;Lord of hosts is his name.
20. You are my hammer,a weapon for war;With you I shatter nations,with you I destroy kingdoms.
21. With you I shatter horse and rider,with you I shatter chariot and driver.