From that day on, half of my men did the work. The other half were given spears, shields, bows and armor. The officers stationed themselves behind all the people of Judah.
Sound the battle cry, you nations! But you will be torn apart. Listen, all you lands far away! Prepare for battle! But you will be torn apart. Prepare for battle! But you will be torn apart.
“Egyptians, here is what I want you to announce in your land. Announce it in the city of Migdol. Also announce it in Memphis and Tahpanhes. Say, ‘Take up your battle positions! Get ready! The sword eats up those around you.’
“I have stirred up you kings of the Medes. So sharpen your arrows! Get your shields! I plan to destroy Babylon. I will pay the Babylonians back. They have destroyed my temple.
Do not let its soldiers get their bows ready to use. Do not let them put on their armor. Do not spare their young men. Destroy their armies completely.
“Son of man, prophesy. Say, ‘The Lord and King speaks about the Ammonites. He also talks about the way they laugh because of Jerusalem’s fall. He says, “ ‘ “A sword! A sword! Nebuchadnezzar’s sword is ready to kill you. It is shined to destroy you. It flashes like lightning.
Announce this among the nations. Tell them to prepare for battle. Nations, get your soldiers ready! Bring all your fighting men together and march out to attack.