5 They set the table;they spread the rugs;they eat and drink.Leaders, stand up.Prepare the shields for battle!
6 The Lord said to me,“Go, place a lookout for the cityand have him report what he sees.
7 If he sees chariots and teams of horses,donkeys, or camels,he should pay very close attention.”
8 Then the lookout called out,“My master, each day I stand in the watchtower watching;every night I have been on guard.
9 Look, I see a man coming in a chariotwith a team of horses.”The man gives back the answer,“Babylon has fallen. It has fallen!All the statues of her godslie broken on the ground.”
10 My people are crushed like grain on the threshing floor.My people, I tell you what I have heardfrom the Lord All-Powerful,from the God of Israel.
11 This is a message about Dumah:Someone calls to me from Edom,“Watchman, how much of the night is left?Watchman, how much longer will it be night?”