11 I, the Lord,want Babylon destroyed,because its armydestroyed my temple.So, you kings of Media,sharpen your arrowsand pick up your shields.
12 Raise the signal flagand attack the city walls.Post more guards.Have soldiers watch the cityand set up ambushes.I have made plansto destroy Babylon,and nothing will stop me.
13 People of Babylon, you livealong the Euphrates Riverand are surrounded by canals.You are rich,but now the time has comefor you to die.
14 I, the Lord All-Powerful,swear by my own lifethat enemy soldierswill fill your streetslike a swarm of locusts.They will shoutand celebrate their victory.
15 God used his wisdom and powerto create the earthand spread out the heavens.
16 The waters in the heavens roarat his command.He makes clouds appear;he sends the windfrom his storehouseand makes lightning flashin the rain.
17 People who make idolsare stupid!They will be disappointed,because their false godscannot breathe.