A Message About Damascus
23 Here is what the LORD says about Damascus. He says, "The people of Hamath and Arpad are terrified. They have heard bad news. They have lost all hope. They are troubled like the rolling sea.
24
The people of Damascus have become weak. They have turned to run away. Panic has taken hold of them. Suffering and pain have taken hold of them. Their pain is like the pain of a woman having a baby.
25
Why hasn't the famous city been deserted? It is the town I take delight in.
26
You can be sure its young men will fall dead in the streets. All of its soldiers will be put to death at that time," announces the LORD who rules over all.
27
"I will set the walls of Damascus on fire. It will burn up the strong towers of King Ben-Hadad."
A Message About Kedar and Hazor
28 Here is what the LORD says about the land of Kedar and the kingdoms of Hazor. Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylonia, was planning to attack them. The LORD says to the armies of Babylonia, "Prepare for battle. Attack Kedar. Destroy the people of the east.
29
Their tents and flocks will be taken away from them. Their tents will be carried off. All of their goods and camels will be stolen. People will shout to them, 'There is terror on every side!'
30
"Run away quickly! You who live in Hazor, stay in deep caves," announces the Lord. "Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylonia, has made plans against you. He has decided to attack you.
31
"Armies of Babylonia, prepare for battle. Attack a nation that feels secure. Its people do not have any worries," announces the Lord. "That nation does not have gates or heavy metal bars. Its people live all alone.
32
Their camels will be stolen. Their large herds will be taken away. I will scatter to the winds those who are in places far away. I will bring trouble on them from every side," announces the Lord.
33
"Hazor will become a home for wild dogs. It will be a dry and empty desert forever. No one will live in that land. No one will stay there even for a short time."