1The word that Yahweh spoke concerning Babylon, concerning the land of the Chaldeans, by Jeremiah the prophet.
2“Declare among the nations and publish,
3For a nation comes up out of the north against her,
4“In those days, and in that time,” says Yahweh,
5They will inquire concerning Zion with their faces turned toward it,
6My people have been lost sheep.
7All who found them have devoured them.
8“Flee out of the middle of Babylon!
9For, behold, I will stir up
10Chaldea will be a prey.
11“Because you are glad,
12your mother will be utterly disappointed.
13Because of Yahweh’s wrath she won’t be inhabited,
14Set yourselves in array against Babylon all around,
15Shout against her all around.
16Cut off the sower from Babylon,
17“Israel is a hunted sheep.
18Therefore Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, says:
19I will bring Israel again to his pasture,
20In those days, and in that time,” says Yahweh,
21“Go up against the land of Merathaim,
22A sound of battle is in the land,
23How the hammer of the whole earth is cut apart and broken!
24I have laid a snare for you,
25Yahweh has opened his armory,
26Come against her from the farthest border.
27Kill all her bulls.
28Listen to those who flee and escape out of the land of Babylon,
29“Call together the archers against Babylon,
30Therefore her young men will fall in her streets.
31“Behold, I am against you, you proud one,” says the Lord, Yahweh of Armies;
32The proud one will stumble and fall,
33Yahweh of Armies says: “The children of Israel and the children of Judah are oppressed together.
34Their Redeemer is strong.
35“A sword is on the Chaldeans,” says Yahweh,
36A sword is on the boasters,
37A sword is on their horses,
38A drought is on her waters,
39Therefore the wild animals of the desert
40As when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah and its neighbor cities,” says Yahweh,
41“Behold, a people comes from the north.
42They take up bow and spear.
43The king of Babylon has heard the news of them,
44Behold, the enemy will come up like a lion
45Therefore hear the counsel of Yahweh
46The earth trembles at the noise of the taking of Babylon.