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