12
Raise a standard against the walls of Bavel! Strengthen the guard! Post the sentries! Prepare ambushes! For ADONAI has both planned and accomplished what he promised to do to those living in Bavel.
13
You who live near plenty of water, so rich in treasure - your end has come, your time for being cut off!
14
ADONAI-Tzva'ot has sworn by himself, "I will fill you with men as numerous as grasshoppers; they will raise over you a shout of triumph."
15
He made the earth by his power, established the world by his wisdom spread out the sky by his understanding.
16
When he thunders, the waters in heaven roar, he raises clouds from the ends of the earth, he makes the lightning flash in the rain and brings the wind out from his storehouses.
17
At this, everyone is proved stupid, ignorant, every goldsmith put to shame by his idol! The figures he casts are a fraud, there is no breath in them,
18
they are nothings, ridiculous objects; when the day for their punishment comes, they will perish.
19
Ya'akov's portion is not like these, for he is the one who formed all things, including the tribe he claims as his heritage. ADONAI-Tzva'ot is his name.
20
"[Bavel] you are my war club and weapons of war - with you I shatter nations; with you I destroy kingdoms;
21
with you I shatter horses and their riders; with you I shatter chariots and their drivers;
22
with you I shatter husbands and wives; with you I shatter old and young; with you I shatter young men and virgins;