5 For Israel and Judah are not left widowedby their God, the Lord of Hosts,though their land is full of guiltagainst the Holy One of Israel.
6 Leave Babylon; save your lives, each of you! Don’t perish because of her guilt.For this is the time of the Lord’s vengeance —He will pay her what she deserves.
7 Babylon was a gold cup in the Lord’s hand, making the whole earth drunk.The nations drank her wine; therefore, the nations go mad.
8 Suddenly Babylon fell and was shattered.Wail for her;get balm for her wound —perhaps she can be healed.
9 We tried to heal Babylon,but she could not be healed.Abandon her!Let each of us go to his own land, for her judgment extends to the skyand reaches as far as the clouds.
10 The Lord has brought about our vindication; come, let’s tell in Zionwhat the Lord our God has accomplished.
11 Sharpen the arrows! Fill the quivers!The Lord has put it into the mindof the kings of the Medesbecause His plan is aimed at Babylonto destroy her,for it is the Lord’s vengeance,vengeance for His temple.