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!”