1 This is the message that the Lord spoke about Babylon and the land of the Babylonians through the prophet Jeremiah.
2 “Announce this among the nations, and spread the news.
3 A nation from the north will attack Babylon
4 “In those days and at that time,” declares the Lord,
5 They will ask which road goes to Zion and turn in that direction.
6 My people have been lost sheep.
7 Everyone who finds them eats them.
8 “Run away from Babylon.
9 I am going to stir up an alliance of strong nations from the north
10 The Babylonians will become the prize.
11 “You are happy and excited.
12 But your mother will be greatly ashamed.
13 No one will live in Babylon because of the Lord’s anger.
14 “Take up your positions around Babylon, all you archers with bows.
15 Shout a war cry against them on every side.
16 Don’t allow anyone in Babylon to plant or harvest.
17 “The people of Israel are like scattered sheep that lions have chased.
18 “This is what the Lord of Armies, the God of Israel, says:
19 I will bring the people of Israel back to their pastures.
20 In those days and at that time,” declares the Lord,
21 Attack the land of Merathaim
22 The noise of battle and great destruction fills the land.
23 The hammer of the whole earth is broken and shattered.
24 I will set traps for you, Babylon.
25 The Lord will open his armory
26 Attack them from a distance,
27 Kill all their young bulls.
28 Listen! Fugitives and refugees from Babylon
29 “Call together the archers, the soldiers with bows, against Babylon.
30 That is why their young men will die in the streets,
31 “I’m against you, you arrogant city,”
32 Those arrogant people will stumble and fall,
33 This is what the Lord of Armies says:
34 Their defender is strong.
35 “A sword will kill the Babylonians and everyone who lives in Babylon,”
36 A sword will kill the false prophets.
37 A sword will kill their horses, their chariots,
38 A drought will diminish their water supply, and it will dry up.
39 That is why desert animals will live with hyenas.
40 Babylon will be like Sodom, Gomorrah, and their neighboring cities
41 “People are going to come from the north.
42 They will take hold of bows and spears.
43 The king of Babylon has heard reports about them, and he loses courage.
44 I will suddenly chase them from their places
45 Listen to the plans that the Lord is making against Babylon
46 The earth will quake at the news that Babylon has been captured.