15. raise the war cry against it on every side.It surrenders, its bastions fall,its walls are torn down:This is retribution from the Lord! Take retribution on her,as she has done, do to her;for she sinned against the Lord.
16. Cut off the sower from Babylonand those who wield sickles at harvest time!Before the destroying sword,all of them turn back to their own people,all flee to their own land.
17. Israel was a stray sheepthat lions pursued;The king of Assyria once devoured him;now Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon gnaws his bones.
18. Therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel:I will punish the king of Babylon and his land,as I once punished the king of Assyria;