34 But the one who redeems them is strong.His name is the lord of Heaven’s Armies.He will defend themand give them rest again in Israel.But for the people of Babylonthere will be no rest!
35 “The sword of destruction will strike the Babylonians,”says the lord.“It will strike the people of Babylon—her officials and wise men, too.
36 The sword will strike her wise counselors,and they will become fools.The sword will strike her mightiest warriors,and panic will seize them.
37 The sword will strike her horses and chariotsand her allies from other lands,and they will all become like women.The sword will strike her treasures,and they all will be plundered.
38 A drought will strike her water supply,causing it to dry up.And why? Because the whole land is filled with idols,and the people are madly in love with them.
39 “Soon Babylon will be inhabited by desert animals and hyenas.It will be a home for owls.Never again will people live there;it will lie desolate forever.
40 I will destroy it as I destroyed Sodom and Gomorrahand their neighboring towns,” says the lord.“No one will live there;no one will inhabit it.