18. It will be like the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrahand their neighboring towns,” says the lord.“No one will live there;no one will inhabit it.
19. I will come like a lion from the thickets of the Jordan,leaping on the sheep in the pasture.I will chase Edom from its land,and I will appoint the leader of my choice.For who is like me, and who can challenge me?What ruler can oppose my will?”
20. Listen to the lord’s plans against Edomand the people of Teman.Even the little children will be dragged off like sheep,and their homes will be destroyed.
21. The earth will shake with the noise of Edom’s fall,and its cry of despair will be heard all the way to the Red Sea.
22. Look! The enemy swoops down like an eagle,spreading his wings over Bozrah.Even the mightiest warriors will be in anguishlike a woman in labor.
23. This message was given concerning Damascus. This is what the lord says:“The towns of Hamath and Arpad are struck with fear,for they have heard the news of their destruction.Their hearts are troubledlike a wild sea in a raging storm.