“Sheshach has been captured. Babylon, the city that the whole world praised, has been taken captive.
Everyone passing by this impressive temple will be appalled. They will ask, ‘Why did the Lord do these things to this land and this temple?’
Babylon, the jewel of the kingdoms, the proud beauty of the Chaldeans, will be like Sodom and Gomorrah when God destroyed them.
Then you will mock the king of Babylon with this saying, “How the tyrant has come to an end! How his attacks have come to an end!”
all the kings of the north, near and far, one after another—all the kingdoms of the earth. Last of all, the king of Sheshach will drink from the cup.
Why isn’t that famous, happy city abandoned?
The hammer of the whole earth is broken and shattered. See how desolate Babylon is of all the nations!
The earth will quake at the news that Babylon has been captured. Its cry will be heard among the nations.”
Babylon will become piles of rubble. It will become a dwelling place for jackals, something horrible, and an object of contempt, where no one lives.
All those who live on the coasts are horrified because of you. Their kings are terribly afraid. Their faces show their fear.
He has given you control over people, wild animals, and birds, wherever they live. He has made you ruler of them all. You are the head of gold.
You are that tree, Your Majesty. You grew and became strong and mighty until you reached the sky. Your power reaches the most distant part of the world.
The king thought, “Look how great Babylon is! I built the royal palace by my own impressive power and for my glorious honor.”
You will become a thing of horror. All the nations where the Lord will send you will make an example of you and ridicule you.