1. What sorrow awaits Nineveh,the city of murder and lies!She is crammed with wealthand is never without victims.
2. Hear the crack of whips,the rumble of wheels!Horses’ hooves pound,and chariots clatter wildly.
3. See the flashing swords and glittering spearsas the charioteers charge past!There are countless casualties,heaps of bodies—so many bodies thatpeople stumble over them.
4. All this because Nineveh,the beautiful and faithless city,mistress of deadly charms,enticed the nations with her beauty.She taught them all her magic,enchanting people everywhere.
5. “I am your enemy!”says the lord of Heaven’s Armies.“And now I will lift your skirtsand show all the earth your nakedness and shame.
6. I will cover you with filthand show the world how vile you really are.
7. All who see you will shrink back and say,‘Nineveh lies in ruins.Where are the mourners?’Does anyone regret your destruction?”
8. Are you any better than the city of Thebes,situated on the Nile River, surrounded by water?She was protected by the river on all sides,walled in by water.
9. Ethiopia and the land of Egyptgave unlimited assistance.The nations of Put and Libyawere among her allies.
10. Yet Thebes fell,and her people were led away as captives.Her babies were dashed to deathagainst the stones of the streets.Soldiers threw dice to get Egyptian officers as servants.All their leaders were bound in chains.
11. And you, Nineveh, will also stagger like a drunkard.You will hide for fear of the attacking enemy.