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.
12. All your fortresses will fall.They will be devoured like the ripe figsthat fall into the mouthsof those who shake the trees.
13. Your troops will be as weakand helpless as women.The gates of your land will be opened wide to the enemyand set on fire and burned.
14. Get ready for the siege!Store up water!Strengthen the defenses!Go into the pits to trample clay,and pack it into molds,making bricks to repair the walls.
15. But the fire will devour you;the sword will cut you down.The enemy will consume you like locusts,devouring everything they see.There will be no escape,even if you multiply like swarming locusts.