¹⁶ “Tell this to the nations,
    proclaim concerning Jerusalem:
‘A besieging army is coming from a distant land,^(A)
    raising a war cry^(B) against the cities of Judah.^(C)

¹⁵ People of Israel,” declares the Lord,
    “I am bringing a distant nation^(A) against you—
an ancient and enduring nation,
    a people whose language^(B) you do not know,
    whose speech you do not understand.

² “Announce and proclaim^(A) among the nations,
    lift up a banner^(B) and proclaim it;
    keep nothing back, but say,
‘Babylon will be captured;^(C)
    Bel^(D) will be put to shame,^(E)
    Marduk^(F) filled with terror.
Her images will be put to shame
    and her idols^(G) filled with terror.’

¹⁰ “Hear the word of the Lord, you nations;
    proclaim it in distant coastlands:^(A)
‘He who scattered^(B) Israel will gather^(C) them
    and will watch over his flock like a shepherd.’^(D)

¹⁸ Therefore hear, you nations;
    you who are witnesses,
    observe what will happen to them.