1 This is what the Lord says:“I will soon cause a destroying wind to blowagainst Babylon and the Babylonian people.
2 I will send foreign people to destroy Babylonlike a wind that blows chaff away.They will destroy the land.Armies will surround the citywhen the day of disaster comes upon her.
3 Don’t let the Babylonian soldiers prepare their bows to shoot.Don’t even let them put on their armor.Don’t feel sorry for the young men of Babylon,but completely destroy her army.
4 They will be killed in the land of the Babyloniansand will die in her streets.
5 The Lord God All-Powerfuldid not leave Israel and Judah,even though they were completely guiltyin the presence of the Holy One of Israel.
6 “Run away from Babylonand save your lives!Don’t stay and be killed because of Babylon’s sins.It is time for the Lord to punish Babylon;he will give Babylon the punishment she deserves.
7 Babylon was like a gold cup in the Lord’s handthat made the whole earth drunk.The nations drank Babylon’s wine,so they went crazy.