A Message about Babylon
13 Isaiah son of Amoz received this message concerning the destruction of Babylon: 2 “Raise a signal flag on a bare hilltop. as they march into the palaces of the high and mighty. 3 I, the LORD, have dedicated these soldiers for this task. and they will rejoice when I am exalted.” 4 Hear the noise on the mountains! The LORD of Heaven’s Armies has called this army together. 5 They come from distant countries, With them he will destroy the whole land. 6 Scream in terror, for the day of the LORD has arrived— the time for the Almighty to destroy. 7 Every arm is paralyzed with fear. Every heart melts, 8 and people are terrified. their faces aflame with fear. 9 For see, the day of the LORD is coming— and all the sinners destroyed with it. 10 The heavens will be black above them; and the moon will provide no light. 11 “I, the LORD, will punish the world for its evil and humble the pride of the mighty. 12 I will make people scarcer than gold— more rare than the fine gold of Ophir. 13 For I will shake the heavens. in the day of his fierce anger.” 14 Everyone in Babylon will run about like a hunted gazelle, and flee to their own land. 15 Anyone who is captured will be cut down— run through with a sword. 16 Their little children will be dashed to death before their eyes. Their homes will be sacked, and their wives will be raped. 17 “Look, I will stir up the Medes against Babylon. or bribed with gold. 18 The attacking armies will shoot down the young men with arrows. and will show no compassion for children.” 19 Babylon, the most glorious of kingdoms, when God destroyed them. 20 Babylon will never be inhabited again. and shepherds will not bed down their sheep. 21 Desert animals will move into the ruined city, and wild goats will go there to dance. 22 Hyenas will howl in its fortresses, its time of destruction will soon arrive.