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.
22
I will use you to crush men and women. I will use you to crush the old and the young. I will use you to crush young men and women.
23
I will use you to crush shepherds and their flocks. I will use you to crush farmers and their oxen. I will use you to crush governors and officials.
24
"In your presence I will pay back Babylon and all the people who live in Babylon for all the evil things that they did in Zion," declares the LORD.