1. An attacker advances against you, Nineveh. Guard the fortress, watch the road, brace yourselves, marshal all your strength!
2. The Lord will restore the splendor of Jacob like the splendor of Israel, though destroyers have laid them waste and have ruined their vines.
3. The shields of the soldiers are red; the warriors are clad in scarlet. The metal on the chariots flashes on the day they are made ready; the spears of juniper are brandished.
4. The chariots storm through the streets, rushing back and forth through the squares. They look like flaming torches; they dart about like lightning.
5. Nineveh summons her picked troops, yet they stumble on their way. They dash to the city wall; the protective shield is put in place.
6. The river gates are thrown open and the palace collapses.