God’s First Answer

Look at the nations[a](A) and observe(B)
be utterly astounded!(C)
For I am doing something in your days
that you will not believe(D)
when you hear about it.(E)
Look! I am raising up(F) the Chaldeans,[b]
that bitter,(G) impetuous nation
that marches across the earth’s open spaces
to seize territories not its own.
They are fierce(H) and terrifying;
their views of justice and sovereignty
stem from themselves.
Their horses are swifter(I) than leopards(J)
and more fierce[c] than wolves of the night.
Their horsemen charge ahead;
their horsemen come from distant lands.
They fly like eagles, swooping to devour.(K)
All of them come to do violence;
their faces(L) are set in determination.[d]
They gather(M) prisoners like sand.(N)
10 They mock(O) kings,
and rulers are a joke to them.
They laugh(P) at every fortress
and build siege ramps to capture(Q) it.
11 Then they sweep(R) by like the wind
and pass through.
They are guilty;[e] their strength is their god.

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Footnotes

  1. 1:5 DSS, LXX, Syr read Look, you treacherous people
  2. 1:6 = the Babylonians
  3. 1:8 Or and quicker
  4. 1:9 Hb obscure
  5. 1:11 Or wind, and transgress and incur guilt

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