11
Sharpen the arrows! Fill the quivers! The Lord has put it into the mind of the kings of the Medes because His plan is aimed at Babylon to destroy her, for it is the Lord's vengeance, vengeance for His temple.
12
Raise up a signal flag against the walls of Babylon; fortify the watch post; set the watchmen in place; prepare the ambush. For the Lord has both planned and accomplished what He has threatened against those who live in Babylon.
13
You who reside by many waters, rich in treasures, your end has come, your life thread is cut.
14
The Lord of Hosts has sworn by Himself: I will fill you up with men as with locusts, and they will sing the victory song over you.
15
He made the earth by His power, established the world by His wisdom, and spread out the heavens by His understanding.
16
When He thunders, the waters in the heavens are in turmoil, and He causes the clouds to rise from the ends of the earth. He makes lightning for the rain and brings the wind from His storehouses.
17
Everyone is stupid and ignorant. Every goldsmith is put to shame by [his] carved image, for his cast images are a lie; there is no breath in them.
18
They are worthless, a work to be mocked. At the time of their punishment they will be destroyed.
19
Jacob's Portion is not like these because He is the One who formed all things. [Israel is] the tribe of His inheritance; the Lord of Hosts is His name.
20
You are My battle club, My weapons of war. With you I will smash nations; with you I will bring kingdoms to ruin.
21
With you I will smash the horse and its rider; with you I will smash the chariot and its rider.