1
This is what the LORD says: “See, I will stir up the spirit of a destroyer against Babylon and the people of Leb Kamai.
2
I will send foreigners to Babylon to winnow her and to devastate her land; they will oppose her on every side in the day of her disaster.
3
Let not the archer string his bow, nor let him put on his armor. Do not spare her young men; completely destroy her army.
4
They will fall down slain in Babylon,fatally wounded in her streets.
5
For Israel and Judah have not been forsaken by their God, the LORD Almighty, though their land is full of guilt before the Holy One of Israel.
6
“Flee from Babylon! Run for your lives! Do not be destroyed because of her sins. It is time for the LORD’s vengeance; he will repay her what she deserves.
7
Babylon was a gold cup in the LORD’s hand; she made the whole earth drunk. The nations drank her wine; therefore they have now gone mad.
8
Babylon will suddenly fall and be broken. Wail over her! Get balm for her pain; perhaps she can be healed.
9
“ ‘We would have healed Babylon, but she cannot be healed; let us leave her and each go to our own land, for her judgment reaches to the skies, it rises as high as the heavens.’
10
“ ‘The LORD has vindicated us; come, let us tell in Zion what the LORD our God has done.’