2 The Lord will restore the splendour of Jacoblike the splendour of Israel,though destroyers have laid them wasteand have ruined their vines.
3 The shields of the soldiers are red;the warriors are clad in scarlet.The metal on the chariots flasheson the day they are made ready;the spears of juniper are brandished.
4 The chariots storm through the streets,rushing back and forth through the squares.They look like flaming torches;they dart about like lightning.
5 Nineveh summons her picked troops,yet they stumble on their way.They dash to the city wall;the protective shield is put in place.
6 The river gates are thrown openand the palace collapses.
7 It is decreed that Ninevehbe exiled and carried away.Her female slaves moan like dovesand beat on their breasts.
8 Nineveh is like a poolwhose water is draining away.‘Stop! Stop!’ they cry,but no one turns back.