48
Heaven and earth and everything in them will shout for joy over Babylon because the destroyers from the north will come against her. [This is] the Lord's declaration.
49
Babylon must fall [because of] the slain of Israel, even as the slain of all the earth fell because of Babylon.
50
You who have escaped the sword, go and do not stand still! Remember the Lord from far away, and let Jerusalem come to your mind.
51
We are ashamed because we have heard insults. Humiliation covers our faces because foreigners have entered the holy places of the Lord's temple.
52
Therefore, look, the days are coming- [this is]*The bracketed text has been added for clarity. the Lord's declaration- when I will punish her carved images, and the wounded will groan throughout her land.
53
Even if Babylon should ascend to the heavens and fortify her tall fortresses, destroyers will come against her from Me. [This is] the Lord's declaration.
54
The sound of a cry from Babylon! The sound of great destruction from the land of the Chaldeans!
55
For the Lord is going to devastate Babylon; He will silence her mighty voice. Their waves roar like abundant waters; the tumult of their voice resounds,
56
for a destroyer is coming against her, against Babylon. Her warriors will be captured, their bows shattered, for the Lord is a God of retribution; He will certainly repay.
57
I will make her princes and sages drunk, along with her governors, officials, and warriors. Then they will fall asleep forever and never wake up. [This is]*The bracketed text has been added for clarity. the King's declaration; the Lord of Hosts is His name.
58
This is what the Lord of Hosts says: Babylon's thick walls will be totally demolished, and her high gates consumed by fire. The peoples will have labored for nothing; the nations will exhaust themselves [only to feed] the fire.