Isaiah 13:1-11 ▼

1 An oracle concerning Babylon; a vision of Isaiah, son of Amoz.

2 Upon the bare mountains set up a signal; cry out to them, Beckon for them to enter the gates of the nobles.

3 I have commanded my consecrated ones, I have summoned my warriors, eager and bold to carry out my anger.

4 Listen! the rumble on the mountains: that of an immense throng! Listen! the noise of kingdoms, nations assembled! The LORD of hosts is mustering an army for battle.

5 They come from a far-off country, and from the end of the heavens, The LORD and the instruments of his wrath, to destroy all the land.

6 Howl, for the day of the LORD is near; as destruction from the Almighty it comes.

7 Therefore all hands fall helpless, every human heart melts,

8 and they are terrified, Pangs and sorrows take hold of them, like a woman in labor they writhe; They look aghast at each other, their faces aflame.

9 Indeed, the day of the LORD comes, cruel, with wrath and burning anger; To lay waste the land and destroy the sinners within it!

10 The stars of the heavens and their constellations will send forth no light; The sun will be dark at its rising, and the moon will not give its light.

11 Thus I will punish the world for its evil and the wicked for their guilt. I will put an end to the pride of the arrogant, the insolence of tyrants I will humble.