Jeremiah 51:1-13

This is what the LORD says: I am about to rouse the spirit of a destroyer against Babylon and against the population of Leb-qamai. I will send strangers to Babylon who will scatter her and strip her land bare, for they will come against her from every side in the day of disaster. Don’t let the archer string his bow; don’t let him put on his armor. Don’t spare her young men; completely destroy her entire army! Those who were slain will fall in the land of the Chaldeans, those who were pierced through, in her streets. For Israel and Judah are not left widowed by their God, the LORD of Armies, though their land is full of guilt against the Holy One of Israel. Leave Babylon; save your lives, each of you! Don’t perish because of her guilt. For this is the time of the LORD’s vengeance — he will pay her what she deserves. Babylon was a gold cup in the LORD’s hand, making the whole earth drunk. The nations drank her wine; therefore, the nations go mad. Suddenly Babylon fell and was shattered. Wail for her; get balm for her wound — perhaps she can be healed. We tried to heal Babylon, but she could not be healed. Abandon her! Let each of us go to his own land, for her judgment extends to the sky and reaches as far as the clouds. The LORD has brought about our vindication; come, let’s tell in Zion what the LORD our God has accomplished. Sharpen the arrows! Fill the quivers! The LORD has roused the spirit of the kings of the Medes because his plan is aimed at Babylon to destroy her, for it is the LORD’s vengeance, vengeance for his temple. Raise up a signal flag against the walls of Babylon; fortify the watch post; set the watchmen in place; prepare the ambush. For the LORD has both planned and accomplished what he has threatened against those who live in Babylon. You who reside by abundant water, rich in treasures, your end has come, your life thread is cut.