The Lord Reveals Some Startling News

1:5 “Look at the nations and pay attention!14

You will be shocked and amazed!15

For I will do something in your lifetime16

that you will not believe even though you are forewarned.17

1:6 Look, I am about to empower18 the Babylonians,

that ruthless19 and greedy20 nation.

They sweep across the surface21 of the earth,

seizing dwelling places that do not belong to them.

1:7 They are frightening and terrifying;

they decide for themselves what is right.22

1:8 Their horses are faster than leopards

and more alert23 than wolves in the desert.24

Their horses25 gallop,26

their horses come a great distance;

like a vulture27 they swoop down quickly to devour their prey.28

1:9 All of them intend29 to do violence;

every face is determined.30

They take prisoners as easily as one scoops up sand.31

1:10 They mock kings

and laugh at rulers.

They laugh at every fortified city;

they build siege ramps32 and capture them.

1:11 They sweep by like the wind and pass on.33

But the one who considers himself a god will be held guilty.”34