The Fall of Babylonia+

1This is a message about a desert beside the sea:+

Enemies from a hostile nation

attack like a whirlwind

from the Southern Desert.

2What a horrible vision

was shown to me—

a vision of betrayal

and destruction.

Tell Elam and Media+

to surround and attack

the Babylonians.

The Lord has sworn to end

the suffering they caused.

3I'm in terrible pain

like a woman giving birth.

I'm shocked and hurt so much

that I can't hear or see.

4My head spins; I'm horrified!

Early evening, my favorite time,

has become a nightmare.

5In Babylon the high officials

were having a feast.

They were eating and drinking,

when someone shouted,

“Officers, take your places!

Grab your shields.”

6The Lord said to me,

“Send guards

to find out

what's going on.

7When they see cavalry troops

and columns of soldiers

on donkeys and camels,

tell them to be ready!”

8Then a guard+ said,

“I have stood day and night

on this watchtower, Lord.

9- Now I see column after column

of cavalry troops.”

At once someone shouted,

“Babylon has fallen!

Every idol in the city

lies broken on the ground.”

10Then I said, “My people,

you have suffered terribly,

but I have a message for you

from the Lord All-Powerful,

the God of Israel.”

How Much Longer?

11This is a message about Dumah:

From the country of Seir,+

someone shouts to me,

“Guard, how much longer

before daylight?”

12From my guard post, I answered,

“Morning will soon be here,

but night will return.

If you want to know more,

come back later.”

13This is a message for Arabs who live in the barren desert in the region of Dedan:+

You must order your caravans

14to bring water for those

who are thirsty.

You people of Tema+

must bring food

for the hungry refugees.

15They are worn out and weary

from being chased by enemies

with swords and arrows.

16The Lord said to me:

A year from now the glory of the people of Kedar+ will all come to an end, just as a worker's contract ends after a year. 17Only a few of their warriors will be left with bows and arrows. This is a promise that I, the Lord God of Israel, have made.