[1] This is a message about the Desert by the Sea: Disaster is coming from the desert like wind blowing in the south. It is coming from a terrible country. [2] I have seen a terrible vision. I see traitors turning against you and people taking your wealth. Elam, attack the people! Media, surround the city and attack it! I will bring an end to the pain the city causes. [3] I saw those terrible things, and now I am in pain; my pains are like the pains of giving birth. What I hear makes me very afraid; what I see causes me to shake with fear. [4] I am worried, and I am shaking with fear. My pleasant evening has become a night of fear. [5] They set the table; they spread the rugs; they eat and drink. Leaders, stand up. Prepare the shields for battle! [6] The Lord said to me, "Go, place a lookout for the city and have him report what he sees. [7] If he sees chariots and teams of horses, donkeys, or camels, he should pay very close attention." [8] Then the lookout called out, "My master, each day I stand in the watchtower watching; every night I have been on guard. [9] Look, I see a man coming in a chariot with a team of horses." The man gives back the answer, "Babylon has fallen. It has fallen! All the statues of her gods lie broken on the ground." [10] My people are crushed like grain on the threshing floor. My people, I tell you what I have heard from the LORD All-Powerful, from the God of Israel. [11] This is a message about Dumah: Someone calls to me from Edom, "Watchman, how much of the night is left? Watchman, how much longer will it be night?" [12] The watchman answers, "Morning is coming, but then night will come again. If you have something to ask, then come back and ask." [13] This is a message about Arabia: A group of traders from Dedan spent the night near some trees in Arabia. [14] They gave water to thirsty travelers; the people of Tema gave food to those who were escaping. [15] They were running from swords, from swords ready to kill, from bows ready to shoot, from a hard battle. [16] This is what the Lord said to me: "In one year all the glory of the country of Kedar will be gone. (This is a year as a hired helper counts time.) [17] At that time only a few of the archers, the soldiers of Kedar, will be left alive." The LORD, the God of Israel, has spoken.
