34. The people of Jerusalem say,“King Nebuchadnezzarmade us panic.That monster stuffed himselfwith us and our treasures,leaving us empty—he gobbled upwhat he wantedand spat out the rest.
35. The people of Babyloniaharmed some of usand killed others.Now, Lord, make them pay!”
36. My people, I am on your side,and I will take revengeon Babylon.I will cut off its water supply,and its stream will dry up.
37. Babylon will be a pile of rubblewhere only jackals live.People will laugh,but they will be afraidto walk among the ruins.
38. The Babylonians roar and growllike young lions.
39. And since they are hungry,I will give them a banquet.They will celebrate, get drunk,then fall asleep,never to wake up!
40. I will lead them away to die,like sheep, lambs, and goatsbeing led to the butcher.
41. All nations now praise Babylon,but when it is captured,those same nationswill be horrified.
42. Babylon's enemies will riselike ocean wavesand flood the city.
43. Horrible destruction will strikethe nearby towns.The land will becomea barren desert,where no one can liveor even travel.
44. I will punish Marduk,the god of Babylon,and make him vomiteverything he gobbled up.Then nations will no longerbring him gifts,and Babylon's walls will crumble.
45. Get out of Babylon, my people,and run for your lives,before I strike the cityin my anger!
46. Don't be afraid or lose hope,though year after yearthere are rumoursof leaders fighting for controlin the city of Babylon.