Isaiah 21:1-17 VOICE

[1] A message about the Sea of Wilderness (Babylon): From the desert, from a frightening land it comes like a raging tempest, a sandstorm in the Negev. [2] A vision most harsh came to me: The deceiver deceives, and the abuser abuses. Get up and go, Elam; and Media, cut off supplies! All groaning will cease; I've put an end to the sounds of misery. [3] My stomach sinks. My gut churns with pain. As a woman in labor wrenches and writhes, I can hardly bear the news. I cannot hear because I'm bent over with agony. I cannot see because I'm deep in the fog of depression. [4] My heart skips a beat; my mind is buzzing, terribly unsettled. Horror and trembling rattle the serenity of the evening I longed for. [5] Meanwhile, the ones who are in charge are spreading out a feast, eating and drinking just like normal. I want to say to them: "Get up, officers. Oil your shields, and be prepared!" [6] Because the Eternal has told me, Eternal One: Get someone to keep an eye on things. Have him report whatever he sees. [7] Tell him to watch closely for riders on teams of horses, donkeys, and camels. If he sees them, put him on full alert. [8] Sentinel: I stand guard at the watchtower, Lord, day after day. I never leave my post during the night. [9] Look! They're coming just as you said: a chariot driver and a team of horses. The driver tells me "Babylon is fallen! Our oppressor has fallen and all their idols, worthless imposters of the one True God, are shattered on the ground." [10] O, my people, who have been threshed and winnowed like wheat, I am telling you what the Eternal, Commander of heavenly armies, Israel's God, said. [11] A message about Duma: Someone is calling me from Seir. Edomite (to a sentinel): How much remains of this night? How long until morning? [12] Sentinel: Morning is coming, you can be sure of it. But night will quickly follow. If you want to know, then check back later. [13] A message about Arabia: Spend the night in the forests of Arabia, off the beaten path, O caravans from Dedan. [14] Hey, people of Tema, bring them supplies, water for the thirsty and food for the refugees. [15] They're on the run, refugees tired of war, trying to escape the edge of the sword, the bent bow, And the imminent threat of battle. [16] Eternal One (to Isaiah): Within a year-as a hired hand might count it-Kedar will be finished. All that made it so impressive will crumble. [17] As for its archers and mighty warriors, they will all but disappear. It will happen because the Eternal, the God of Israel, said so.