1 This message came to me concerning Babylon—the desert by the sea:Disaster is roaring down on you from the desert,like a whirlwind sweeping in from the Negev.
2 I see a terrifying vision:I see the betrayer betraying,the destroyer destroying.Go ahead, you Elamites and Medes,attack and lay siege.I will make an endto all the groaning Babylon caused.
3 My stomach aches and burns with pain.Sharp pangs of anguish are upon me,like those of a woman in labor.I grow faint when I hear what God is planning;I am too afraid to look.
4 My mind reels and my heart races.I longed for evening to come,but now I am terrified of the dark.
5 Look! They are preparing a great feast.They are spreading rugs for people to sit on.Everyone is eating and drinking.But quick! Grab your shields and prepare for battle.You are being attacked!
6 Meanwhile, the Lord said to me,“Put a watchman on the city wall.Let him shout out what he sees.