³ “Prepare your shields,^(A) both large and small,
    and march out for battle!

⁵ They set the tables,
    they spread the rugs,
    they eat, they drink!^(A)
Get up, you officers,
    oil the shields!^(B)

¹⁴ Draw water for the siege,^(A)
    strengthen your defenses!^(B)
Work the clay,
    tread the mortar,
    repair the brickwork!

⁹ Proclaim this among the nations:
    Prepare for war!^(A)
Rouse the warriors!^(B)
    Let all the fighting men draw near and attack.

¹¹ “Sharpen the arrows,^(A)
    take up the shields!^(B)
The Lord has stirred up the kings^(C) of the Medes,^(D)
    because his purpose^(E) is to destroy Babylon.
The Lord will take vengeance,^(F)
    vengeance for his temple.^(G)
12 Lift up a banner^(H) against the walls of Babylon!
    Reinforce the guard,
station the watchmen,^(I)
    prepare an ambush!^(J)
The Lord will carry out his purpose,^(K)
    his decree against the people of Babylon.

⁹ Raise the war cry,^[a](A) you nations, and be shattered!^(B)
    Listen, all you distant lands.
Prepare^(C) for battle, and be shattered!
    Prepare for battle, and be shattered!
¹⁰ Devise your strategy, but it will be thwarted;^(D)
    propose your plan, but it will not stand,^(E)
    for God is with us.^[b](F)