[1] This is a message about Babylonia. Like a whirlwind sweeping across the desert, disaster will come from a terrifying land. [2] I have seen a vision of cruel events, a vision of betrayal and destruction. Army of Elam, attack! Army of Media, lay siege to the cities! God will put an end to the suffering which Babylon has caused. [3] What I saw and heard in the vision has filled me with terror and pain, pain like that of a woman in labor. [4] My head is spinning, and I am trembling with fear. I had been longing for evening to come, but it has brought me nothing but terror. [5] In the vision a banquet is ready; rugs are spread for the guests to sit on. They are eating and drinking. Suddenly the command rings out: "Officers! Prepare your shields!" [6] Then the Lord said to me, "Go and post a sentry, and tell him to report what he sees. [7] If he sees riders coming on horseback, two by two, and riders on donkeys and camels, he is to observe them carefully." [8] The sentry calls out, "Sir, I have been standing guard at my post day and night." [9] Suddenly, here they come! Riders on horseback, two by two. The sentry gives the news, "Babylon has fallen! All the idols they worshiped lie shattered on the ground." [10] My people Israel, you have been threshed like wheat, but now I have announced to you the good news that I have heard from the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel. [11] This is a message about Edom. Someone calls to me from Edom, "Sentry, how soon will the night be over? Tell me how soon it will end." [12] I answer, "Morning is coming, but night will come again. If you want to ask again, come back and ask." [13] This is a message about Arabia. People of Dedan, you whose caravans camp in the barren country of Arabia, [14] give water to the thirsty people who come to you. You people of the land of Tema, give food to the refugees. [15] People are fleeing to escape from swords that are ready to kill them, from bows that are ready to shoot, from all the dangers of war. [16] Then the Lord said to me, "In exactly one year the greatness of the tribes of Kedar will be at an end. [17] The archers are the bravest warriors of Kedar, but few of them will be left. I, the LORD God of Israel, have spoken."
