1
The LORD proclaims: I'm stirring up a violent wind against Babylon and those who live in Leb-qamai.
2
I will send mercenaries to Babylon who will sift her and clear out her land. They will surround her on the day of disaster.
3
Let the archers draw their bows; let them prepare their armor. Show no mercy to her young men; wipe out her entire company!
4
They will fall wounded in the land of Babylon, struck down in her streets.
5
God, the LORD of heavenly forces, hasn't abandoned Israel and Judah, even though they live in a land filled with guilt before the holy one of Israel.
6
Escape from Babylon; each of you run for your lives! Don't perish because of her guilt, because this is the time for the LORD's retribution, a day of reckoning for all that Babylon has done.
7
Babylon was a gold cup in the LORD's hand; it made the whole earth drunk. The nations drank her wine and went mad.
8
But suddenly Babylon fell and shattered into pieces. Wail for her! Bring medicine for her pain; perhaps she will recover.
9
We tried to cure Babylon, but she was beyond help. Let's depart from her and return to your own country, each of you. Her punishment reaches to heaven and extends to the clouds.
10
The LORD has come to our defense, so let's declare in Zion what the LORD our God has done!
11
Sharpen your arrows; prepare your shields. The LORD is stirring up the spirit of kings from Media. He intends to destroy Babylon; this is the LORD's retribution, a day of reckoning for his temple.