14
The LORD of heavenly forces has sworn by his own name: I'm going to fill your cities with soldiers like a swarm of locusts; they will celebrate their victory over you.
15
God made the earth by his might, shaped the world by his wisdom, and crafted the skies by his knowledge.
16
At the sound of God's voice, the heavenly waters roar. God raises the clouds from the ends of the earth. He makes lightning for the rain and sends the wind from his treasuries.
17
Everyone is too foolish to understand; every smith is shamed by his idols, for their images are shams; they aren't alive.
18
They are a delusion, a charade; at the appointed time they will be ruined!
19
But the portion of Jacob is utterly different, for he has formed all things, including his very own tribe; the LORD of heavenly forces is his name!
20
You are my hammer, my weapon of war. With you I will crush the nations. With you I will destroy kingdoms.
21
With you I will crush horse and rider. With you I will crush chariot and driver.
22
With you I will crush men and women. With you I will crush old and young. With you I will crush young men and young women.
23
With you I will crush shepherds and flocks. With you I will crush farmers and oxen. With you I will crush governors and officials.
24
I will repay Babylon and all its inhabitants for the terrible things they have done to Zion in your sight, declares the LORD.