1 This is a message about a desert beside the sea:Enemies from a hostile nationattack like a whirlwindfrom the Southern Desert.
2 What a horrible visionwas shown to me—a vision of betrayaland destruction.Tell Elam and Mediato surround and attackthe Babylonians.The Lord has sworn to endthe suffering they caused.
3 I'm in terrible painlike a woman giving birth.I'm shocked and hurt so muchthat I can't hear or see.
4 My head spins; I'm horrified!Early evening, my favorite time,has become a nightmare.
5 In Babylon the high officialswere having a feast.They were eating and drinking,when someone shouted,“Officers, take your places!Grab your shields.”
6 The Lord said to me,“Send guardsto find outwhat's going on.
7 When they see cavalry troopsand columns of soldierson donkeys and camels,tell them to be ready!”
8 Then a guard said,“I have stood day and nighton this watchtower, Lord.
9 Now I see column after columnof cavalry troops.”At once someone shouted,“Babylon has fallen!Every idol in the citylies broken on the ground.”
10 Then I said, “My people,you have suffered terribly,but I have a message for youfrom the Lord All-Powerful,the God of Israel.”
11 This is a message about Dumah:From the country of Seir,someone shouts to me,“Guard, how much longerbefore daylight?”
12 From my guard post, I answered,“Morning will soon be here,but night will return.If you want to know more,come back later.”
13 This is a message for Arabs who live in the barren desert in the region of Dedan:You must order your caravans
14 to bring water for thosewho are thirsty.You people of Temamust bring foodfor the hungry refugees.
15 They are worn out and wearyfrom being chased by enemieswith swords and arrows.
16 The 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.
17 Only 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.