³ The shields deployed by^[a] Israel’s^[b] elite forces are scarlet,
    their valiant men are clothed in crimson.
When they are prepared,
    the polished armament on their chariots will shine,
        and lances will be brandished about ferociously.^[c]
4 Their chariots storm through the streets,
    jostling each other along broad avenues.
They look like torches,
    as they dart around like lightning.

⁵ He will remember to summon^[d] his finest troops.
    They will stumble on their way,
        hurrying over to Nineveh’s^[e] wall.
Their defensive shield is in place.