18. It will be like the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrahand their neighboring towns,” says the lord.“No one will live there;no one will inhabit it.
19. I will come like a lion from the thickets of the Jordan,leaping on the sheep in the pasture.I will chase Edom from its land,and I will appoint the leader of my choice.For who is like me, and who can challenge me?What ruler can oppose my will?”
20. Listen to the lord’s plans against Edomand the people of Teman.Even the little children will be dragged off like sheep,and their homes will be destroyed.
21. The earth will shake with the noise of Edom’s fall,and its cry of despair will be heard all the way to the Red Sea.
22. Look! The enemy swoops down like an eagle,spreading his wings over Bozrah.Even the mightiest warriors will be in anguishlike a woman in labor.
23. This message was given concerning Damascus. This is what the lord says:“The towns of Hamath and Arpad are struck with fear,for they have heard the news of their destruction.Their hearts are troubledlike a wild sea in a raging storm.
24. Damascus has become feeble,and all her people turn to flee.Fear, anguish, and pain have gripped heras they grip a woman in labor.
25. That famous city, a city of joy,will be forsaken!
26. Her young men will fall in the streets and die.Her soldiers will all be killed,”says the lord of Heaven’s Armies.
27. “And I will set fire to the walls of Damascusthat will burn up the palaces of Ben-hadad.”
28. This message was given concerning Kedar and the kingdoms of Hazor, which were attacked by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. This is what the lord says:“Advance against Kedar!Destroy the warriors from the East!
29. Their flocks and tents will be captured,and their household goods and camels will be taken away.Everywhere shouts of panic will be heard:‘We are terrorized at every turn!’
30. Run for your lives,” says the lord.“Hide yourselves in deep caves, you people of Hazor,for King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon has plotted against youand is preparing to destroy you.
31. “Go up and attack that complacent nation,”says the lord.“Its people live alone in the desertwithout walls or gates.