⁶ Wail,^(A) for the day^(B) of the Lord is near;
    it will come like destruction^(C) from the Almighty.^[a](D)

¹⁷ See, I will stir up^(A) against them the Medes,^(B)
    who do not care for silver
    and have no delight in gold.^(C)
18 Their bows^(D) will strike down the young men;^(E)
    they will have no mercy^(F) on infants,
    nor will they look with compassion on children.^(G)
19 Babylon,^(H) the jewel of kingdoms,^(I)
    the pride and glory^(J) of the Babylonians,^[a]
will be overthrown^(K) by God
    like Sodom and Gomorrah.^(L)

⁴¹ “Look! An army is coming from the north;^(A)
    a great nation and many kings
    are being stirred^(B) up from the ends of the earth.^(C)
42 They are armed with bows^(D) and spears;
    they are cruel^(E) and without mercy.^(F)
They sound like the roaring sea^(G)
    as they ride on their horses;
they come like men in battle formation
    to attack you, Daughter Babylon.^(H)
43 The king of Babylon has heard reports about them,
    and his hands hang limp.^(I)
Anguish has gripped him,
    pain like that of a woman in labor.^(J)