It will never be inhabited or lived in from generation to generation; a nomad will not pitch his tent there, and shepherds will not let their flocks rest there.
‘I will make her a swampland and a region for herons, and I will sweep her away with the broom of destruction.’ This is the declaration of the Lord of Armies.
Look, I am against you, devastating mountain. This is the Lord’s declaration. You devastate the whole earth. I will stretch out my hand against you, roll you down from the cliffs, and turn you into a charred mountain.
Therefore, hear the plans that the Lord has drawn up against Babylon and the strategies he has devised against the land of the Chaldeans: Certainly the flock’s little lambs will be dragged away; certainly the grazing land will be made desolate because of them.
Therefore, desert creatures will live with hyenas, and ostriches will also live in her. It will never again be inhabited or lived in through all generations.
Attack the land of Merathaim, and those living in Pekod. Put them to the sword; completely destroy them – this is the Lord’s declaration – do everything I have commanded you.
Because of the Lord’s wrath, she will not be inhabited; she will become a desolation, every bit of her. Everyone who passes through Babylon will be appalled and scoff because of all her wounds.
Tell me, you whom I love: Where do you pasture your sheep? Where do you let them rest at noon? Why should I be like one who veils herself beside the flocks of your companions?
For you have turned the city into a pile of rocks, a fortified city into ruins; the fortress of barbarians is no longer a city; it will never be rebuilt.
He has cast the lot for them; his hand allotted their portion with a measuring line. They will possess it for ever; they will dwell in it from generation to generation.