1. The Lord says,“I will cause a destructive wind to blowagainst Babylon and the people who inhabit Babylonia.
2. I will send people to winnow Babylonia like a wind blowing away chaff. They will winnow her and strip her land bare.This will happen when they come against her from every direction,when it is time to destroy her.
3. Do not give her archers time to string their bowsor to put on their coats of armor.Do not spare any of her young men.Completely destroy her whole army.
4. Let them fall slain in the land of Babylonia,mortally wounded in the streets of her cities.
5. “For Israel and Judah will not be forsakenby their God, the Lord who rules over all.For the land of Babylonia is full of guiltagainst the Holy One of Israel.
6. Get out of Babylonia quickly, you foreign people.Flee to save your lives.Do not let yourselves be killed because of her sins.For it is time for the Lord to wreak his revenge.He will pay Babylonia back for what she has done.
7. Babylonia had been a gold cup in the Lord’s hand.She had made the whole world drunk.The nations had drunk from the wine of her wrath.So they have all gone mad.
8. But suddenly Babylonia will fall and be destroyed.Cry out in mourning over it!Get medicine for her wounds!Perhaps she can be healed!