The Message Bible MSG
New International Version NIV
23 I looked at the earth - it was back to pre-Genesis chaos and emptiness. I looked at the skies, and not a star to be seen.
23
I looked at the earth, and it was formless and empty; and at the heavens, and their light was gone.
24 I looked at the mountains - they were trembling like aspen leaves, And all the hills rocking back and forth in the wind.
24
I looked at the mountains, and they were quaking; all the hills were swaying.
25 I looked - what's this! Not a man or woman in sight, and not a bird to be seen in the skies.
25
I looked, and there were no people; every bird in the sky had flown away.
26 I looked - this can't be! Every garden and orchard shriveled up. All the towns were ghost towns. And all this because of God, because of the blazing anger of God.
26
I looked, and the fruitful land was a desert; all its towns lay in ruins before the LORD, before his fierce anger.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.