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Jeremiah 50

The word the LORD spoke about Babylon and about the land of the Chaldeans through Jeremiah the prophet: Declare it among the nations and make it known. Raise a signal; make it known and do not hide it. Say, “Babylon is taken, Bel is disgraced, Merodach is shattered. Her idols are disgraced; her images are shattered.” A nation comes up aga

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Babylon taken

The word the LORD spoke about Babylon and about the land of the Chaldeans through Jeremiah the prophet: Declare it among the nations and make it known. Raise a signal; make it known and do not hide it. Say, “Babylon is taken, Bel is disgraced, Merodach is shattered. Her idols are disgraced; her images are shattered.” A nation comes up against her from the north. It will make her land desolate, and no one will live in it. Both man and beast will move away and depart. In those days and at that time, declares the LORD, the people of Israel will come, they and the people of Judah together. They'll go along weeping and looking for the LORD their God. They'll ask the way to Zion with their faces towards it: Come, let's join ourselves to the LORD in an everlasting covenant that won't be forgotten. My people have been lost sheep. Their shepherds have led them astray and turned them away on the mountains. They went from mountain to hill and forgot their resting place. Everyone who found them ate them, and their enemies said: We’re not guilty, because they sinned against the LORD, where righteousness lives, the LORD, the hope of their fathers. Get out of Babylon and go out of the land of the Chaldeans, and be like the he-goats before the flock. Because look: I'm stirring up and bringing against Babylon a gathering of great nations from the land of the north. And they'll draw up against her, and she'll be taken from there. Their arrows will be like a skilled strong man — none of them comes back empty. And Chaldea will be plundered. Everyone who plunders her will get enough, declares the LORD. Because you were glad and you rejoiced, you who looted my inheritance. Because you were fat as a heifer at the grass and neighing like strong horses — Your mother will be very ashamed. The one who gave birth to you will be humiliated. Look: the last of the nations, a wilderness, a dry land and a desert. Because of the LORD's fury she won't be lived in. She'll be a complete destroy. Everyone who goes past Babylon will be shocked and hiss at all her wounds. Draw up against Babylon all round, all you who bend the bow. Shoot at her, don't spare the arrows, because she's sinned against the LORD. Shout against her all round. She's given her hand. Her foundations have fallen and her walls are pulled down. Because it's the vengeance of the LORD — take vengeance with her. Do to her what she's done. Cut off the sower from Babylon, and the one holding the sickle in the harvest. From the oppressor's sword every man will return to his own people, and every man will run to his own land. Israel is a scattered sheep. The lions have chased him off. First the king of Assyria ate him, and last of all Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon broke his bones. So this is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Look: I'll deal with the king of Babylon and his land the way I dealt with the king of Assyria. And I'll bring Israel back to his own fold, and he'll graze on Carmel and Bashan. And his soul will be satisfied on Mount Ephraim and Gilead. “In those days and at that time,” says the LORD, “the wrongdoing of Israel will be sought for, and there will be none; and the sins of Judah, and they will not be found. For I will pardon those whom I reserve.”

The word the Lord spoke about Babylon and about the land of the Chaldeans through Jeremiah the prophet: Tell it among the nations and let it be heard. Raise a signal, let it be heard, don't hide it. Say: Babylon is taken. Bel is ashamed. Marduk is broken. Her idols are ashamed and her images are broken. Because a nation is coming up against her out of the north, and it'll make her land a wreck with nobody living in it. Man and beast, they'll shift and be gone. In those days and at that time, declares the Lord, the people of Israel will come, they and the people of Judah together. They'll go along weeping and looking for the Lord their God. They'll ask the way to Zion with their faces towards it: Come on, let's join ourselves to the Lord in an everlasting covenant that won't be forgotten. My people have been lost sheep. Their shepherds led them astray. They turned them onto the mountains. They went from mountain to hill and forgot where they used to lie down. Everyone who found them ate them, and their enemies said: We're not guilty, because they sinned against the Lord, the fold of righteousness, the Lord, the hope of their fathers. Get out of the middle of Babylon and go out of the land of the Chaldeans, and be like the he-goats in front of the flock. Because look — I'm stirring up and bringing against Babylon a gathering of great nations from the land of the north. And they'll draw up against her, and she'll be taken from there. Their arrows will be like a skilled strong man — none of them comes back empty. And Chaldea will be plundered. Everyone who plunders her will get enough, declares the Lord. Because you were glad and you celebrated, you who looted my inheritance. Because you were fat as a heifer at the grass and neighing like strong horses — your mother will be very ashamed. The one who gave birth to you will be humiliated. Look — the last of the nations, a wilderness, a dry land and a desert. Because of the Lord's fury she won't be lived in. She'll be a complete wreck. Everyone who goes past Babylon will be shocked and hiss at all her wounds. Draw up against Babylon all round, all you who bend the bow. Shoot at her, don't spare the arrows, because she's sinned against the Lord. Shout against her all round. She's given her hand. Her foundations have fallen and her walls are pulled down. Because it's the settling up of the Lord — settle up with her. Do to her what she's done. Cut off the sower from Babylon, and the one holding the sickle in the harvest. From the oppressor's sword every man will turn back to his own people, and every man will run to his own land. Israel is a scattered sheep. The lions have chased him off. First the king of Assyria ate him, and last of all Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon broke his bones. So this is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Look — I'll deal with the king of Babylon and his land the way I dealt with the king of Assyria. And I'll bring Israel back to his own fold, and he'll graze on Carmel and Bashan. And his soul will be satisfied on Mount Ephraim and Gilead. In those days and at that time, declares the Lord, they'll look for the wrongdoing of Israel and there won't be any, and for the sins of Judah and they won't be found. Because I'll forgive the ones I leave.

The word that the LORD spake against Babylon and against the land of the Chaldeans by Jeremiah the prophet. Declare ye among the nations, and publish, and set up a standard; publish, and conceal not: say, Babylon is taken, Bel is confounded, Merodach is broken in pieces; her idols are confounded, her images are broken in pieces. For out of the north there cometh up a nation against her, which shall make her land desolate, and none shall dwell therein: they shall remove, they shall depart, both man and beast. In those days, and in that time, saith the LORD, the children of Israel shall come, they and the children of Judah together, going and weeping: they shall go, and seek the LORD their God. They shall ask the way to Zion with their faces thitherward, saying, Come, and let us join ourselves to the LORD in a perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten. My people hath been lost sheep: their shepherds have caused them to go astray, they have turned them away on the mountains: they have gone from mountain to hill, they have forgotten their restingplace. All that found them have devoured them: and their adversaries said, We offend not, because they have sinned against the LORD, the habitation of justice, even the LORD, the hope of their fathers. Remove out of the midst of Babylon, and go forth out of the land of the Chaldeans, and be as the he goats before the flocks. For, lo, I will raise and cause to come up against Babylon an assembly of great nations from the north country: and they shall set themselves in array against her; from thence she shall be taken: their arrows shall be as of a mighty expert man; none shall return in vain. And Chaldea shall be a spoil: all that spoil her shall be satisfied, saith the LORD. Because ye were glad, because ye rejoiced, O ye destroyers of mine heritage, because ye are grown fat as the heifer at grass, and bellow as bulls; Your mother shall be sore confounded; she that bare you shall be ashamed: behold, the hindermost of the nations shall be a wilderness, a dry land, and a desert. Because of the wrath of the LORD it shall not be inhabited, but it shall be wholly desolate: every one that goeth by Babylon shall be astonished, and hiss at all her plagues. Put yourselves in array against Babylon round about: all ye that bend the bow, shoot at her, spare no arrows: for she hath sinned against the LORD. Shout against her round about: she hath given her hand: her foundations are fallen, her walls are thrown down: for it is the vengeance of the LORD: take vengeance upon her; as she hath done, do unto her. Cut off the sower from Babylon, and him that handleth the sickle in the time of harvest: for fear of the oppressing sword they shall turn every one to his people, and they shall flee every one to his own land. Israel is a scattered sheep; the lions have driven him away: first the king of Assyria hath devoured him; and last this Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon hath broken his bones. Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will punish the king of Babylon and his land, as I have punished the king of Assyria. And I will bring Israel again to his habitation, and he shall feed on Carmel and Bashan, and his soul shall be satisfied upon mount Ephraim and Gilead. In those days, and in that time, saith the LORD, the iniquity of Israel shall be sought for, and there shall be none; and the sins of Judah, and they shall not be found: for I will pardon them whom I reserve.

1

The word the LORD spoke about Babylon and about the land of the Chaldeans through Jeremiah the prophet:

Plain English

The word the Lord spoke about Babylon and about the land of the Chaldeans through Jeremiah the prophet:

King James Version, 1611

The word that the LORD spake against Babylon and against the land of the Chaldeans by Jeremiah the prophet.

2

Declare it among the nations and make it known. Raise a signal; make it known and do not hide it. Say, “Babylon is taken, Bel is disgraced, Merodach is shattered. Her idols are disgraced; her images are shattered.”

Plain English

Tell it among the nations and let it be heard. Raise a signal, let it be heard, don't hide it. Say: Babylon is taken. Bel is ashamed. Marduk is broken. Her idols are ashamed and her images are broken.

King James Version, 1611

Declare ye among the nations, and publish, and set up a standard; publish, and conceal not: say, Babylon is taken, Bel is confounded, Merodach is broken in pieces; her idols are confounded, her images are broken in pieces.

3

A nation comes up against her from the north. It will make her land desolate, and no one will live in it. Both man and beast will move away and depart.

Plain English

Because a nation is coming up against her out of the north, and it'll make her land a wreck with nobody living in it. Man and beast, they'll shift and be gone.

King James Version, 1611

For out of the north there cometh up a nation against her, which shall make her land desolate, and none shall dwell therein: they shall remove, they shall depart, both man and beast.

4

In those days and at that time, declares the LORD, the people of Israel will come, they and the people of Judah together. They'll go along weeping and looking for the LORD their God.

Plain English

In those days and at that time, declares the Lord, the people of Israel will come, they and the people of Judah together. They'll go along weeping and looking for the Lord their God.

King James Version, 1611

In those days, and in that time, saith the LORD, the children of Israel shall come, they and the children of Judah together, going and weeping: they shall go, and seek the LORD their God.

5

They'll ask the way to Zion with their faces towards it: Come, let's join ourselves to the LORD in an everlasting covenant that won't be forgotten.

Plain English

They'll ask the way to Zion with their faces towards it: Come on, let's join ourselves to the Lord in an everlasting covenant that won't be forgotten.

King James Version, 1611

They shall ask the way to Zion with their faces thitherward, saying, Come, and let us join ourselves to the LORD in a perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten.

6

My people have been lost sheep. Their shepherds have led them astray and turned them away on the mountains. They went from mountain to hill and forgot their resting place.

Plain English

My people have been lost sheep. Their shepherds led them astray. They turned them onto the mountains. They went from mountain to hill and forgot where they used to lie down.

King James Version, 1611

My people hath been lost sheep: their shepherds have caused them to go astray, they have turned them away on the mountains: they have gone from mountain to hill, they have forgotten their restingplace.

7

Everyone who found them ate them, and their enemies said: We’re not guilty, because they sinned against the LORD, where righteousness lives, the LORD, the hope of their fathers.

Plain English

Everyone who found them ate them, and their enemies said: We're not guilty, because they sinned against the Lord, the fold of righteousness, the Lord, the hope of their fathers.

King James Version, 1611

All that found them have devoured them: and their adversaries said, We offend not, because they have sinned against the LORD, the habitation of justice, even the LORD, the hope of their fathers.

8

Get out of Babylon and go out of the land of the Chaldeans, and be like the he-goats before the flock.

Plain English

Get out of the middle of Babylon and go out of the land of the Chaldeans, and be like the he-goats in front of the flock.

King James Version, 1611

Remove out of the midst of Babylon, and go forth out of the land of the Chaldeans, and be as the he goats before the flocks.

9

Because look: I'm stirring up and bringing against Babylon a gathering of great nations from the land of the north. And they'll draw up against her, and she'll be taken from there. Their arrows will be like a skilled strong man — none of them comes back empty.

Plain English

Because look — I'm stirring up and bringing against Babylon a gathering of great nations from the land of the north. And they'll draw up against her, and she'll be taken from there. Their arrows will be like a skilled strong man — none of them comes back empty.

King James Version, 1611

For, lo, I will raise and cause to come up against Babylon an assembly of great nations from the north country: and they shall set themselves in array against her; from thence she shall be taken: their arrows shall be as of a mighty expert man; none shall return in vain.

10

And Chaldea will be plundered. Everyone who plunders her will get enough, declares the LORD.

Plain English

And Chaldea will be plundered. Everyone who plunders her will get enough, declares the Lord.

King James Version, 1611

And Chaldea shall be a spoil: all that spoil her shall be satisfied, saith the LORD.

11

Because you were glad and you rejoiced, you who looted my inheritance. Because you were fat as a heifer at the grass and neighing like strong horses —

Plain English

Because you were glad and you celebrated, you who looted my inheritance. Because you were fat as a heifer at the grass and neighing like strong horses —

King James Version, 1611

Because ye were glad, because ye rejoiced, O ye destroyers of mine heritage, because ye are grown fat as the heifer at grass, and bellow as bulls;

12

Your mother will be very ashamed. The one who gave birth to you will be humiliated. Look: the last of the nations, a wilderness, a dry land and a desert.

Plain English

your mother will be very ashamed. The one who gave birth to you will be humiliated. Look — the last of the nations, a wilderness, a dry land and a desert.

King James Version, 1611

Your mother shall be sore confounded; she that bare you shall be ashamed: behold, the hindermost of the nations shall be a wilderness, a dry land, and a desert.

13

Because of the LORD's fury she won't be lived in. She'll be a complete destroy. Everyone who goes past Babylon will be shocked and hiss at all her wounds.

Plain English

Because of the Lord's fury she won't be lived in. She'll be a complete wreck. Everyone who goes past Babylon will be shocked and hiss at all her wounds.

King James Version, 1611

Because of the wrath of the LORD it shall not be inhabited, but it shall be wholly desolate: every one that goeth by Babylon shall be astonished, and hiss at all her plagues.

14

Draw up against Babylon all round, all you who bend the bow. Shoot at her, don't spare the arrows, because she's sinned against the LORD.

Plain English

Draw up against Babylon all round, all you who bend the bow. Shoot at her, don't spare the arrows, because she's sinned against the Lord.

King James Version, 1611

Put yourselves in array against Babylon round about: all ye that bend the bow, shoot at her, spare no arrows: for she hath sinned against the LORD.

15

Shout against her all round. She's given her hand. Her foundations have fallen and her walls are pulled down. Because it's the vengeance of the LORD — take vengeance with her. Do to her what she's done.

Plain English

Shout against her all round. She's given her hand. Her foundations have fallen and her walls are pulled down. Because it's the settling up of the Lord — settle up with her. Do to her what she's done.

King James Version, 1611

Shout against her round about: she hath given her hand: her foundations are fallen, her walls are thrown down: for it is the vengeance of the LORD: take vengeance upon her; as she hath done, do unto her.

16

Cut off the sower from Babylon, and the one holding the sickle in the harvest. From the oppressor's sword every man will return to his own people, and every man will run to his own land.

Plain English

Cut off the sower from Babylon, and the one holding the sickle in the harvest. From the oppressor's sword every man will turn back to his own people, and every man will run to his own land.

King James Version, 1611

Cut off the sower from Babylon, and him that handleth the sickle in the time of harvest: for fear of the oppressing sword they shall turn every one to his people, and they shall flee every one to his own land.

17

Israel is a scattered sheep. The lions have chased him off. First the king of Assyria ate him, and last of all Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon broke his bones.

Plain English

Israel is a scattered sheep. The lions have chased him off. First the king of Assyria ate him, and last of all Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon broke his bones.

King James Version, 1611

Israel is a scattered sheep; the lions have driven him away: first the king of Assyria hath devoured him; and last this Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon hath broken his bones.

18

So this is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Look: I'll deal with the king of Babylon and his land the way I dealt with the king of Assyria.

Plain English

So this is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Look — I'll deal with the king of Babylon and his land the way I dealt with the king of Assyria.

King James Version, 1611

Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will punish the king of Babylon and his land, as I have punished the king of Assyria.

19

And I'll bring Israel back to his own fold, and he'll graze on Carmel and Bashan. And his soul will be satisfied on Mount Ephraim and Gilead.

King James Version, 1611

And I will bring Israel again to his habitation, and he shall feed on Carmel and Bashan, and his soul shall be satisfied upon mount Ephraim and Gilead.

20

“In those days and at that time,” says the LORD, “the wrongdoing of Israel will be sought for, and there will be none; and the sins of Judah, and they will not be found. For I will pardon those whom I reserve.”

Plain English

In those days and at that time, declares the Lord, they'll look for the wrongdoing of Israel and there won't be any, and for the sins of Judah and they won't be found. Because I'll forgive the ones I leave.

King James Version, 1611

In those days, and in that time, saith the LORD, the iniquity of Israel shall be sought for, and there shall be none; and the sins of Judah, and they shall not be found: for I will pardon them whom I reserve.

The hammer of the whole earth

Go up against the land of Merathaim and against the people of Pekod. Waste and consume them, declares the LORD, and do everything I've ordered you. There's the noise of battle in the land, and a great destruction. How the hammer of the whole earth is cut down and broken. How Babylon has turned into a horror among the nations. I set a trap for you and you were caught, Babylon, and you didn't know it. You were found and taken as well, because you argued with the LORD. The LORD has opened his armoury and brought out the weapons of his fury. Because this is work for the LORD God Almighty in the land of the Chaldeans. Come at her from the far end. Open up her storehouses. Pile her up like heaps and destroy her. Don't leave a thing. Kill all her young bulls. Let them go down to the slaughter. Trouble is coming to them, because their day has come, the time they're dealt with. The voice of those running, getting away out of the land of Babylon, telling in Zion the vengeance of the LORD our God, the vengeance for his temple. Call up the archers against Babylon, all you who bend the bow. Camp against her all round, and don't let anyone escape. Pay her back for what she's done. Do to her everything she's done. Because she's been proud against the LORD, against the Holy One of Israel. So her young men will fall in her streets, and all her fighting men will be silenced on that day, declares the LORD. Look: I'm against you, you proud one, declares the LORD God Almighty. Because your day has come, the time I'll deal with you. And the proud one will stumble and fall, with nobody to pick him up. And I'll light a fire in his cities, and it'll eat up everything round him. This is what the LORD Almighty says: The people of Israel were oppressed, and the people of Judah with them. And everyone who took them captive held them fast and refused to let them go. Their Redeemer is strong; the LORD Almighty is his name. He will thoroughly plead their cause, so that he may give rest to the land and unsettle the people of Babylon.

Go up against the land of Merathaim and against the people of Pekod. Waste and finish them off, declares the Lord, and do everything I've ordered you. There's the noise of battle in the land, and a great smash. How the hammer of the whole earth is cut down and broken. How Babylon has turned into a horror among the nations. I set a trap for you and you were caught, Babylon, and you didn't know it. You were found and taken as well, because you argued with the Lord. The Lord has opened his armoury and brought out the weapons of his fury. Because this is work for the Lord God Almighty in the land of the Chaldeans. Come at her from the far end. Open up her storehouses. Pile her up like heaps and finish her off. Don't leave a thing. Kill all her young bulls. Let them go down to the slaughter. Trouble is coming to them, because their day has come, the time they're dealt with. The voice of the ones running, getting away out of the land of Babylon, telling in Zion the settling up of the Lord our God, the settling up for his temple. Call up the archers against Babylon, all you who bend the bow. Camp against her all round, and don't let anyone get away. Pay her back for what she's done. Do to her everything she's done. Because she's been proud against the Lord, against the Holy One of Israel. So her young men will fall in her streets, and all her fighting men will be silenced on that day, declares the Lord. Look — I'm against you, you proud one, declares the Lord God Almighty. Because your day has come, the time I'll deal with you. And the proud one will stumble and fall, with nobody to pick him up. And I'll light a fire in his towns, and it'll eat up everything round him. This is what the Lord Almighty says: The people of Israel were oppressed, and the people of Judah with them. And everyone who took them captive held them fast and refused to let them go. Their redeemer is strong. The Lord Almighty is his name. He'll well and truly take up their case, so he can give the land rest and unsettle the people of Babylon.

Go up against the land of Merathaim, even against it, and against the inhabitants of Pekod: waste and utterly destroy after them, saith the LORD, and do according to all that I have commanded thee. A sound of battle is in the land, and of great destruction. How is the hammer of the whole earth cut asunder and broken! how is Babylon become a desolation among the nations! I have laid a snare for thee, and thou art also taken, O Babylon, and thou wast not aware: thou art found, and also caught, because thou hast striven against the LORD. The LORD hath opened his armoury, and hath brought forth the weapons of his indignation: for this is the work of the Lord GOD of hosts in the land of the Chaldeans. Come against her from the utmost border, open her storehouses: cast her up as heaps, and destroy her utterly: let nothing of her be left. Slay all her bullocks; let them go down to the slaughter: woe unto them! for their day is come, the time of their visitation. The voice of them that flee and escape out of the land of Babylon, to declare in Zion the vengeance of the LORD our God, the vengeance of his temple. Call together the archers against Babylon: all ye that bend the bow, camp against it round about; let none thereof escape: recompense her according to her work; according to all that she hath done, do unto her: for she hath been proud against the LORD, against the Holy One of Israel. Therefore shall her young men fall in the streets, and all her men of war shall be cut off in that day, saith the LORD. Behold, I am against thee, O thou most proud, saith the Lord GOD of hosts: for thy day is come, the time that I will visit thee. And the most proud shall stumble and fall, and none shall raise him up: and I will kindle a fire in his cities, and it shall devour all round about him. Thus saith the LORD of hosts; The children of Israel and the children of Judah were oppressed together: and all that took them captives held them fast; they refused to let them go. Their Redeemer is strong; the LORD of hosts is his name: he shall throughly plead their cause, that he may give rest to the land, and disquiet the inhabitants of Babylon.

21

Go up against the land of Merathaim and against the people of Pekod. Waste and consume them, declares the LORD, and do everything I've ordered you.

Plain English

Go up against the land of Merathaim and against the people of Pekod. Waste and finish them off, declares the Lord, and do everything I've ordered you.

King James Version, 1611

Go up against the land of Merathaim, even against it, and against the inhabitants of Pekod: waste and utterly destroy after them, saith the LORD, and do according to all that I have commanded thee.

22

There's the noise of battle in the land, and a great destruction.

Plain English

There's the noise of battle in the land, and a great smash.

King James Version, 1611

A sound of battle is in the land, and of great destruction.

23

How the hammer of the whole earth is cut down and broken. How Babylon has turned into a horror among the nations.

King James Version, 1611

How is the hammer of the whole earth cut asunder and broken! how is Babylon become a desolation among the nations!

24

I set a trap for you and you were caught, Babylon, and you didn't know it. You were found and taken as well, because you argued with the LORD.

Plain English

I set a trap for you and you were caught, Babylon, and you didn't know it. You were found and taken as well, because you argued with the Lord.

King James Version, 1611

I have laid a snare for thee, and thou art also taken, O Babylon, and thou wast not aware: thou art found, and also caught, because thou hast striven against the LORD.

25

The LORD has opened his armoury and brought out the weapons of his fury. Because this is work for the LORD God Almighty in the land of the Chaldeans.

Plain English

The Lord has opened his armoury and brought out the weapons of his fury. Because this is work for the Lord God Almighty in the land of the Chaldeans.

King James Version, 1611

The LORD hath opened his armoury, and hath brought forth the weapons of his indignation: for this is the work of the Lord GOD of hosts in the land of the Chaldeans.

26

Come at her from the far end. Open up her storehouses. Pile her up like heaps and destroy her. Don't leave a thing.

Plain English

Come at her from the far end. Open up her storehouses. Pile her up like heaps and finish her off. Don't leave a thing.

King James Version, 1611

Come against her from the utmost border, open her storehouses: cast her up as heaps, and destroy her utterly: let nothing of her be left.

27

Kill all her young bulls. Let them go down to the slaughter. Trouble is coming to them, because their day has come, the time they're dealt with.

King James Version, 1611

Slay all her bullocks; let them go down to the slaughter: woe unto them! for their day is come, the time of their visitation.

28

The voice of those running, getting away out of the land of Babylon, telling in Zion the vengeance of the LORD our God, the vengeance for his temple.

Plain English

The voice of the ones running, getting away out of the land of Babylon, telling in Zion the settling up of the Lord our God, the settling up for his temple.

King James Version, 1611

The voice of them that flee and escape out of the land of Babylon, to declare in Zion the vengeance of the LORD our God, the vengeance of his temple.

29

Call up the archers against Babylon, all you who bend the bow. Camp against her all round, and don't let anyone escape. Pay her back for what she's done. Do to her everything she's done. Because she's been proud against the LORD, against the Holy One of Israel.

Plain English

Call up the archers against Babylon, all you who bend the bow. Camp against her all round, and don't let anyone get away. Pay her back for what she's done. Do to her everything she's done. Because she's been proud against the Lord, against the Holy One of Israel.

King James Version, 1611

Call together the archers against Babylon: all ye that bend the bow, camp against it round about; let none thereof escape: recompense her according to her work; according to all that she hath done, do unto her: for she hath been proud against the LORD, against the Holy One of Israel.

30

So her young men will fall in her streets, and all her fighting men will be silenced on that day, declares the LORD.

Plain English

So her young men will fall in her streets, and all her fighting men will be silenced on that day, declares the Lord.

King James Version, 1611

Therefore shall her young men fall in the streets, and all her men of war shall be cut off in that day, saith the LORD.

31

Look: I'm against you, you proud one, declares the LORD God Almighty. Because your day has come, the time I'll deal with you.

Plain English

Look — I'm against you, you proud one, declares the Lord God Almighty. Because your day has come, the time I'll deal with you.

King James Version, 1611

Behold, I am against thee, O thou most proud, saith the Lord GOD of hosts: for thy day is come, the time that I will visit thee.

32

And the proud one will stumble and fall, with nobody to pick him up. And I'll light a fire in his cities, and it'll eat up everything round him.

Plain English

And the proud one will stumble and fall, with nobody to pick him up. And I'll light a fire in his towns, and it'll eat up everything round him.

King James Version, 1611

And the most proud shall stumble and fall, and none shall raise him up: and I will kindle a fire in his cities, and it shall devour all round about him.

33

This is what the LORD Almighty says: The people of Israel were oppressed, and the people of Judah with them. And everyone who took them captive held them fast and refused to let them go.

Plain English

This is what the Lord Almighty says: The people of Israel were oppressed, and the people of Judah with them. And everyone who took them captive held them fast and refused to let them go.

King James Version, 1611

Thus saith the LORD of hosts; The children of Israel and the children of Judah were oppressed together: and all that took them captives held them fast; they refused to let them go.

34

Their Redeemer is strong; the LORD Almighty is his name. He will thoroughly plead their cause, so that he may give rest to the land and unsettle the people of Babylon.

Plain English

Their redeemer is strong. The Lord Almighty is his name. He'll well and truly take up their case, so he can give the land rest and unsettle the people of Babylon.

King James Version, 1611

Their Redeemer is strong; the LORD of hosts is his name: he shall throughly plead their cause, that he may give rest to the land, and disquiet the inhabitants of Babylon.

A sword against the Chaldeans

A sword against the Chaldeans, declares the LORD, and against the people of Babylon and against her officials and her wise men. A sword against the liars, and they'll turn into fools. A sword against her strong men, and they'll fall apart. A sword against their horses and their chariots and all the mixed crowd within her, and they'll turn into women. A sword against her treasures, and they'll be looted. A drought on her waters, and they'll dry up. Because it's a land of carved images, and they're mad over their idols. So the desert creatures and the hyenas will live there, and the owls will live in her. And it won't be lived in ever again or settled from one generation to the next. Like God's overturning of Sodom and Gomorrah and their neighbours, declares the LORD, nobody will live there and no son of man will stay in it. Look: a people is coming from the north, a great nation, and many kings will be stirred up from the far parts of the earth. They take hold of bow and spear. They're cruel and they show no mercy. Their voice roars like the sea, and they ride on horses, drawn up like a man for the battle against you, daughter of Babylon. The king of Babylon has heard about them and his hands have gone limp. Trouble has taken hold of him, pain like a woman in labour. Look: he'll come up like a lion out of the thick scrub of the Jordan against the strong fold. But I'll make them run off her in a moment. And who's the chosen man I'll set over her? Because who's like me, and who'll set me a time, and who's the shepherd who'll stand before me? So listen to the counsel of the LORD that he's taken against Babylon, and his plans that he's planned against the land of the Chaldeans: The little ones of the flock will definitely be dragged off. He'll definitely make their fold a horror over them. At the noise of Babylon being taken the earth shakes, and the cry is heard among the nations.

A sword against the Chaldeans, declares the Lord, and against the people of Babylon and against her officials and her wise men. A sword against the liars, and they'll turn into fools. A sword against her strong men, and they'll fall apart. A sword against their horses and their chariots and all the mixed crowd in the middle of her, and they'll turn into women. A sword against her treasures, and they'll be looted. A drought on her waters, and they'll dry up. Because it's a land of carved images, and they're mad over their idols. So the desert creatures and the hyenas will live there, and the owls will live in her. And it won't be lived in ever again or settled from one generation to the next. Like God's overturning of Sodom and Gomorrah and their neighbours, declares the Lord, nobody will live there and no son of man will stay in it. Look — a people is coming from the north, a great nation, and plenty of kings will be stirred up from the far parts of the earth. They take hold of bow and spear. They're cruel and they show no mercy. Their voice roars like the sea, and they ride on horses, drawn up like a man for the battle against you, daughter of Babylon. The king of Babylon has heard about them and his hands have gone limp. Trouble has taken hold of him, pain like a woman in labour. Look — he'll come up like a lion out of the thick scrub of the Jordan against the strong fold. But I'll make them run off her in a moment. And who's the chosen man I'll set over her? Because who's like me, and who'll set me a time, and who's the shepherd who'll stand in front of me? So listen to the counsel of the Lord that he's taken against Babylon, and his plans that he's planned against the land of the Chaldeans: The little ones of the flock will definitely be dragged off. He'll definitely make their fold a horror over them. At the noise of Babylon being taken the earth shakes, and the cry is heard among the nations.

A sword is upon the Chaldeans, saith the LORD, and upon the inhabitants of Babylon, and upon her princes, and upon her wise men. A sword is upon the liars; and they shall dote: a sword is upon her mighty men; and they shall be dismayed. A sword is upon their horses, and upon their chariots, and upon all the mingled people that are in the midst of her; and they shall become as women: a sword is upon her treasures; and they shall be robbed. A drought is upon her waters; and they shall be dried up: for it is the land of graven images, and they are mad upon their idols. Therefore the wild beasts of the desert with the wild beasts of the islands shall dwell there, and the owls shall dwell therein: and it shall be no more inhabited for ever; neither shall it be dwelt in from generation to generation. As God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah and the neighbour cities thereof, saith the LORD; so shall no man abide there, neither shall any son of man dwell therein. Behold, a people shall come from the north, and a great nation, and many kings shall be raised up from the coasts of the earth. They shall hold the bow and the lance: they are cruel, and will not shew mercy: their voice shall roar like the sea, and they shall ride upon horses, every one put in array, like a man to the battle, against thee, O daughter of Babylon. The king of Babylon hath heard the report of them, and his hands waxed feeble: anguish took hold of him, and pangs as of a woman in travail. Behold, he shall come up like a lion from the swelling of Jordan unto the habitation of the strong: but I will make them suddenly run away from her: and who is a chosen man, that I may appoint over her? for who is like me? and who will appoint me the time? and who is that shepherd that will stand before me? Therefore hear ye the counsel of the LORD, that he hath taken against Babylon; and his purposes, that he hath purposed against the land of the Chaldeans: Surely the least of the flock shall draw them out: surely he shall make their habitation desolate with them. At the noise of the taking of Babylon the earth is moved, and the cry is heard among the nations.

35

A sword against the Chaldeans, declares the LORD, and against the people of Babylon and against her officials and her wise men.

Plain English

A sword against the Chaldeans, declares the Lord, and against the people of Babylon and against her officials and her wise men.

King James Version, 1611

A sword is upon the Chaldeans, saith the LORD, and upon the inhabitants of Babylon, and upon her princes, and upon her wise men.

36

A sword against the liars, and they'll turn into fools. A sword against her strong men, and they'll fall apart.

King James Version, 1611

A sword is upon the liars; and they shall dote: a sword is upon her mighty men; and they shall be dismayed.

37

A sword against their horses and their chariots and all the mixed crowd within her, and they'll turn into women. A sword against her treasures, and they'll be looted.

Plain English

A sword against their horses and their chariots and all the mixed crowd in the middle of her, and they'll turn into women. A sword against her treasures, and they'll be looted.

King James Version, 1611

A sword is upon their horses, and upon their chariots, and upon all the mingled people that are in the midst of her; and they shall become as women: a sword is upon her treasures; and they shall be robbed.

38

A drought on her waters, and they'll dry up. Because it's a land of carved images, and they're mad over their idols.

King James Version, 1611

A drought is upon her waters; and they shall be dried up: for it is the land of graven images, and they are mad upon their idols.

39

So the desert creatures and the hyenas will live there, and the owls will live in her. And it won't be lived in ever again or settled from one generation to the next.

King James Version, 1611

Therefore the wild beasts of the desert with the wild beasts of the islands shall dwell there, and the owls shall dwell therein: and it shall be no more inhabited for ever; neither shall it be dwelt in from generation to generation.

40

Like God's overturning of Sodom and Gomorrah and their neighbours, declares the LORD, nobody will live there and no son of man will stay in it.

Plain English

Like God's overturning of Sodom and Gomorrah and their neighbours, declares the Lord, nobody will live there and no son of man will stay in it.

King James Version, 1611

As God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah and the neighbour cities thereof, saith the LORD; so shall no man abide there, neither shall any son of man dwell therein.

41

Look: a people is coming from the north, a great nation, and many kings will be stirred up from the far parts of the earth.

Plain English

Look — a people is coming from the north, a great nation, and plenty of kings will be stirred up from the far parts of the earth.

King James Version, 1611

Behold, a people shall come from the north, and a great nation, and many kings shall be raised up from the coasts of the earth.

42

They take hold of bow and spear. They're cruel and they show no mercy. Their voice roars like the sea, and they ride on horses, drawn up like a man for the battle against you, daughter of Babylon.

King James Version, 1611

They shall hold the bow and the lance: they are cruel, and will not shew mercy: their voice shall roar like the sea, and they shall ride upon horses, every one put in array, like a man to the battle, against thee, O daughter of Babylon.

43

The king of Babylon has heard about them and his hands have gone limp. Trouble has taken hold of him, pain like a woman in labour.

King James Version, 1611

The king of Babylon hath heard the report of them, and his hands waxed feeble: anguish took hold of him, and pangs as of a woman in travail.

44

Look: he'll come up like a lion out of the thick scrub of the Jordan against the strong fold. But I'll make them run off her in a moment. And who's the chosen man I'll set over her? Because who's like me, and who'll set me a time, and who's the shepherd who'll stand before me?

Plain English

Look — he'll come up like a lion out of the thick scrub of the Jordan against the strong fold. But I'll make them run off her in a moment. And who's the chosen man I'll set over her? Because who's like me, and who'll set me a time, and who's the shepherd who'll stand in front of me?

King James Version, 1611

Behold, he shall come up like a lion from the swelling of Jordan unto the habitation of the strong: but I will make them suddenly run away from her: and who is a chosen man, that I may appoint over her? for who is like me? and who will appoint me the time? and who is that shepherd that will stand before me?

45

So listen to the counsel of the LORD that he's taken against Babylon, and his plans that he's planned against the land of the Chaldeans: The little ones of the flock will definitely be dragged off. He'll definitely make their fold a horror over them.

Plain English

So listen to the counsel of the Lord that he's taken against Babylon, and his plans that he's planned against the land of the Chaldeans: The little ones of the flock will definitely be dragged off. He'll definitely make their fold a horror over them.

King James Version, 1611

Therefore hear ye the counsel of the LORD, that he hath taken against Babylon; and his purposes, that he hath purposed against the land of the Chaldeans: Surely the least of the flock shall draw them out: surely he shall make their habitation desolate with them.

46

At the noise of Babylon being taken the earth shakes, and the cry is heard among the nations.

King James Version, 1611

At the noise of the taking of Babylon the earth is moved, and the cry is heard among the nations.