1
Nineveh, you are under attack! The power that will shatter you has come. Prepare the defenses! Guard the road! Prepare for battle
2
(The Lord is about to restore the glory of Israel, as it was before her enemies plundered her.)
3
The enemy soldiers carry red shields and wear uniforms of red. They are preparing to attack! Their chariots flash like fire! Their horses prance!
4
Chariots dash wildly through the streets, rushing back and forth in the city squares. They flash like torches and dart about like lightning.
5
The officers are summoned; they stumble as they press forward. The attackers rush to the wall and set up the shield for the battering ram.
6
The gates by the river burst open; the palace is filled with terror.
7
The queen is taken captive; her servants moan like doves and beat their breasts in sorrow.
8
Like water from a broken dam the people rush from Nineveh! "Stop! Stop!" the cry rings out - but no one turns back.
9
Plunder the silver! Plunder the gold! The city is full of treasure!
10
Nineveh is destroyed, deserted, desolate! Hearts melt with fear; knees tremble, strength is gone; faces grow pale.