A Taunt for Babylon’s King
14 But the LORD will have mercy on the descendants of Jacob. He will choose Israel as his special people once again. He will bring them back to settle once again in their own land. And people from many different nations will come and join them there and unite with the people of Israel. 2 The nations of the world will help the people of Israel to return, and those who come to live in the LORD’s land will serve them. Those who captured Israel will themselves be captured, and Israel will rule over its enemies. 3 In that wonderful day when the LORD gives his people rest from sorrow and fear, from slavery and chains, 4 you will taunt the king of Babylon. You will say, Yes, your insolence is ended. 5 For the LORD has crushed your wicked power and broken your evil rule. 6 You struck the people with endless blows of rage with unrelenting tyranny. 7 But finally the earth is at rest and quiet. Now it can sing again! 8 Even the trees of the forest— no one will come now to cut us down!’ 9 “In the place of the dead there is excitement stand up to see you. 10 With one voice they all cry out, ‘Now you are as weak as we are! 11 Your might and power were buried with you. and worms your blanket.’ 12 “How you are fallen from heaven, you who destroyed the nations of the world. 13 For you said to yourself, far away in the north. 14 I will climb to the highest heavens and be like the Most High.’ 15 Instead, you will be brought down to the place of the dead, down to its lowest depths. 16 Everyone there will stare at you and ask, and made the kingdoms of the world tremble? 17 Is this the one who destroyed the world and had no mercy on his prisoners?’ 18 “The kings of the nations lie in stately glory, each in his own tomb, 19 but you will be thrown out of your grave You will descend to the pit. 20 You will not be given a proper burial, will never again receive honor. 21 Kill this man’s children! filling the world with their cities.” 22 This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies says: says the LORD. 23 “I will make Babylon a desolate place of owls, I, the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, have spoken!” 24 The LORD of Heaven’s Armies has sworn this oath: It will be as I have decided. 25 I will break the Assyrians when they are in Israel; nor bow down under their heavy loads. 26 I have a plan for the whole earth, a hand of judgment upon all the nations. 27 The LORD of Heaven’s Armies has spoken— who can stop him?”
A Message about Philistia
28 This message came to me the year King Ahaz died: 29 Do not rejoice, you Philistines, a fiery serpent to destroy you! 30 I will feed the poor in my pasture; and destroy the few who remain. 31 Wail at the gates! Weep in the cities! Each soldier rushes forward eager to fight. 32 What should we tell the Philistine messengers? Tell them, its walls will give refuge to his oppressed people.”