11
Sharpen the arrows; fill the quivers. The LORD will stir up the spirit of the kings of the Medes because his plan is to destroy Babylon. The LORD will avenge his temple.
12
Raise your battle flag in front of the walls of Babylon. Strengthen the guards. Station watchmen. Prepare ambushes. The LORD will carry out his plans against the people who live in Babylon.
13
Babylon, you live beside many rivers and are rich with treasures, but your end has come. The thread of your life has been cut off.
14
The LORD of Armies has taken an oath on himself: "I will certainly fill you with many enemy armies. They will swarm like locusts. People will shout their victory over you."
15
The LORD made the earth by his power. He set up the world by his wisdom. He stretched out heaven by his understanding.
16
When he thunders, the water in the sky roars. He makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth. He sends lightning with the rain. He brings wind out of his storehouses.
17
Everyone is stupid and ignorant. Metalsmiths are put to shame by their idols. Their statues are false [gods].
18
They can't breathe. They are worthless jokes. When they are punished, they will disappear.
19
Jacob's God isn't like them. He made everything, and Israel is the tribe that belongs to him. His name is the LORD of Armies.
20
"You are my war club and my weapon for battle. I will use you to crush nations. I will use you to destroy kingdoms.
21
I will use you to crush horses and their riders. I will use you to crush chariots and their drivers.