11 Sharpen the arrows!(A)
Fill the quivers![a]
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.(B)
12 Raise up a signal flag(C)
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.(D)
13 You who reside by abundant water,(E)
rich in treasures,
your end has come,
your life thread is cut.

14 The Lord of Armies has sworn by himself:

I will fill you up with men as with locusts,
and they will sing the victory song over you.

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Footnotes

  1. 51:11 Or Grasp the shields!

11 (A)“Sharpen the arrows!
    Take up the shields!

(B)The Lord has stirred up the spirit of the kings of (C)the Medes, because (D)his purpose concerning Babylon is to destroy it, (E)for that is the vengeance of the Lord, the vengeance for (F)his temple.

12 (G)“Set up a standard against the walls of Babylon;
    (H)make the watch strong;
set up watchmen;
    prepare the ambushes;
(I)for the Lord has both planned and done
    what he spoke concerning the inhabitants of Babylon.
13 (J)O you who dwell by many waters,
    rich in treasures,
your end has come;
    the thread of your life is cut.
14 (K)The Lord of hosts has sworn by himself:
Surely I will fill you with men, (L)as many as locusts,
    (M)and they shall raise the shout of victory over you.

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