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.
⁶ The river gates will be opened,
    and the palace will collapse.

⁷ It has been determined:
    The woman^[f] is unveiled and sent away,
        her servant girls mourn.
Beating their breasts,
    they whimper like doves.
⁸ Nineveh is a reservoir whose water is draining away.
    “Wait! Wait!” they cry,^[g]
        yet not even one person^[h] looks back.
⁹ Take the silver! Take the gold!
    There is no end to the treasure—
        fabulous riches of every imagination.
¹⁰ Nineveh^[i] is devastated, deserted, and desolate.
    Her heart melts, her knees knock.
Every stomach is upset,
    every face grows pale.^[j]