1
The destroyern is coming to attack you, Nineveh. Guard the defenses. Watch the road. Get ready. Gather all your strength!
2
Destroyers have destroyed God's people and ruined their vines, but the Lord will bring back Jacob's greatness like Israel's greatness.
3
The shields of his soldiers are red; the army is dressed in red. The metal on the chariots flashes like fire when they are ready to attack; their horses are excited.
4
The chariots race through the streets and rush back and forth through the city squares. They look like torches; they run like lightning.
5
Hen calls his officers, but they stumble on the way. They hurry to the city wall, and the shield is put into place.
6
The river gates are thrown open, and the palace is destroyed.
7
It has been announced that the people of Nineveh will be captured and carried away. The slave girls moan like doves and beat their breasts, because they are sad.
8
Nineveh is like a pool, and now its water is draining away. "Stop! Stop!" the people yell, but no one turns back.
9
Take the silver! Take the gold! There is no end to the treasure -- piles of wealth of every kind.