5. ‘I am against you,’ declares the Lord Almighty.‘I will lift your skirts over your face.I will show the nations your nakednessand the kingdoms your shame.
6. I will pelt you with filth,I will treat you with contemptand make you a spectacle.
7. All who see you will flee from you and say,“Nineveh is in ruins – who will mourn for her?”Where can I find anyone to comfort you?’
8. Are you better than Thebes,situated on the Nile,with water around her?The river was her defence,the waters her wall.
9. Cush and Egypt were her boundless strength;Put and Libya were among her allies.
10. Yet she was taken captiveand went into exile.Her infants were dashed to piecesat every street corner.Lots were cast for her nobles,and all her great men were put in chains.
11. You too will become drunk;you will go into hidingand seek refuge from the enemy.
12. All your fortresses are like fig-treeswith their first ripe fruit;when they are shaken,the figs fall into the mouth of the eater.
13. Look at your troops –they are all weaklings.The gates of your landare wide open to your enemies;fire has consumed the bars of your gates.
14. Draw water for the siege,strengthen your defences!Work the clay,tread the mortar,repair the brickwork!