[21:1] This is a message about Babylonia. Like a whirlwind sweeping across the desert, disaster will come from a terrifying land.
[21:2] 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.
[21:3] What I saw and heard in the vision has filled me with terror and pain, pain like that of a woman in labor.
[21:4] 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.
[21:5] 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!”
[21:6] Then the Lord said to me, “Go and post a sentry, and tell him to report what he sees.
[21:7] If he sees riders coming on horseback, two by two, and riders on donkeys and camels, he is to observe them carefully.”
[21:8] The sentry calls out, “Sir, I have been standing guard at my post day and night.”
[21:9] 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.”
[21:10] 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.