Isaiah 21:1-9

GOD’S WORD Translation

Like a storm sweeping through the Negev,
an invader will come from the desert,
from a terrifying land.
² I was shown a harsh vision.
The traitor betrays.
The destroyer destroys.
Go to war, Elam!
Surround them, Media!
I will put an end to all the groaning.
³ That is why my body is full of trembling.
Pain grips me like the pain of childbirth.
I’m disturbed by what I hear.
I’m terrified by what I see.
⁴ I’m confused.
I’m shaking with terror.
The twilight hours I longed for make me tremble.
⁵ Set the table.
Spread the rugs ⌞by the table⌟.
Eat. Drink.
Get up, you leaders!
Prepare your shields for battle!

Post a watchman.
Have him report whatever he sees.
⁷ He will see chariots, pairs of horsemen,
riders on donkeys, and riders on camels.
Let him watch carefully, very carefully.
⁸ The watchman ^[a] called,
“Sir, I stand on the watchtower every day.
Every night, I stand guard at my post.
⁹ Look! Here come chariots and horsemen in pairs.”
Then he said,
“Babylon has fallen! It has fallen!
All the idols they worship lie shattered on the ground.”