⁵ Look at the nations^[a](A) and observe^(B)—
be utterly astounded!^(C)
For something is taking place in your days
that you will not believe^(D)
when you hear about it.^(E)
6 Look! I am raising up^(F) the Chaldeans,^[b]
that bitter,^(G) impetuous nation
that marches across the earth’s open spaces
to seize territories not its own.
⁷ They are fierce^(H) and terrifying;
their views of justice and sovereignty
stem from themselves.
⁸ Their horses are swifter^(I) than leopards^(J)
and more fierce^[c] than wolves of the night.
Their horsemen charge ahead;
their horsemen come from distant lands.
They fly like an eagle, swooping to devour.^(K)
9 All of them come to do violence;
their faces^(L) are set in determination.^[d]
They gather^(M) prisoners like sand.^(N)
10 They mock^(O) kings,
and rulers are a joke to them.
They laugh^(P) at every fortress
and build siege ramps to capture^(Q) it.
¹¹ Then they sweep^(R) by like the wind
and pass through.
They are guilty;^[e] their strength is their god.