37. Everywhere on earth people will tremble in fear at the horrible sight.
38. Then great storm clouds will move in from the north and the south, and others from the west.
39. But the winds from the east will prevail and push back those angry storm clouds that were about to bring destruction.
40-41. Huge, powerful, angry storm clouds will arise and ruin the whole world and its people. A terrible storm of fire, hail, and flashing swords will come sweeping down on those who have power and authority. Every river will overflow into the fields, and the floods
42. will demolish cities, walls, mountains, hills, forests, and crops.
43-44. This destruction will press on until it reaches Babylon and engulfs it in a raging storm of ruin. The dust and the smoke will form a great cloud reaching to the sky, and all the neighbouring cities will mourn for Babylon.
45. Anyone who survives will become a slave to those who destroyed the city.
46-47. You, Asia, are to be pitied. You are doomed! You have enjoyed the splendour and glory of Babylon. You have imitated her and dressed up your daughters to look like prostitutes to please and gratify your lovers, who have always lusted for you.
48. Because you have imitated that vile prostitute in everything she has done or planned, God has this to say:
49. “I will send disasters upon you. I will make you a widow and send poverty, famine, war, and epidemics to destroy your homes and bring ruin and death.
50. The power of which you boast will wither like a flower when the burning heat is sent upon you.
51. You will be a wretched, weak woman so bruised, beaten, and wounded that you will no longer attract your wealthy lovers.
52. I would not punish you so severely,” says the Lord,
53. “if you had not murdered my chosen people. But you took great delight in striking them, and when you were drunk, you boasted about killing them.
54. “Paint your face!
55. You will be paid for your work as a prostitute; you will get what you have earned.
56. I will pay you back,” says the Lord, “for what you have done to my chosen people. I will bring disaster on you.
57. You will be put to death, and your children will starve. Your cities will be torn down, and the people out in the country will be killed.
58. Those in the mountains will starve; their hunger and thirst will drive them to eat their own flesh and drink their own blood.