2 The Lord answered me:“Write down what I show you.Write it clearly on stone tabletsso whoever reads it can run to tell others.
3 It is not yet time for the message to come true.But that time is coming soon.The message will come true.It may seem like a long time before it happens.But be patient and wait for it.These things will happen.They will not be delayed.
4 See, the nation that is evil and trusts in itself will fail.But those who do right because they trust in God will live.
5 “Wine can trick a person.In the same way the Babylonians are fooled by their pride.Their desire for wealth is like a grave’s desire for death.They always want more and more.And, like death, they collect other nations for themselves.They make them their own people.
6 But all the nations the Babylonians have hurt will laugh at them.They will make fun of the Babylonians.They will say, ‘How terrible it will be for the nation that steals many things.How long will that nation get rich by forcing others to pay them?’
7 “One day the people you have taken money from will turn against you.They will realize what is happening and make you shake with fear.Then they will hurt you.
8 You have stolen from many nations.So the people who are left will take much from you.This is because you have killed many people.You have destroyed countries and cities and everyone in them.