A city under attack
1 A scatterer has come up against you. Guard the ramparts, watch the road, protect your groin, save your strength!
2
The LORD will restore the pride of Jacob, indeed, the pride of Israel, because ravagers have destroyed them and spoiled their branches.
3
The shields of his warriors are red; his soldiers are dressed in crimson. The ironwork of the chariots flashes like fire on the day he has prepared; the horses quiver.
4
The chariots race wildly through the streets; they rush back and forth through the squares. They look like flaming torches; they dart like bolts of lightning.
5
He musters his officers; they stumble as they press forward. They hurry to the city wall, and the portable shield is set up.
6
The gates of the rivers are opened; the palace melts.
7
It is decreed: She is sent into exile, carried away, while her female servants moan like doves, beating their breasts.
8
Nineveh has been like a pool of water. Such are its waters, and others are fleeing. "Stop, stop!"—but no one can turn them back.
9
Plunder silver! Plunder gold! There is no end to the supplies, an abundance of precious objects!
10
Destruction and devastation; the city is laid waste! The heart grows faint and knees buckle; there is anguish in every groin; all the faces grow pale.