1The one who smashes to pieces has come up against you. Guard the fortress, watch the road, make your waist strong, gather all your strength.
2For the LORD has turned back the splendour of Jacob, like the splendour of Israel. Those who strip bare have stripped them, and ruined their vine branches.
3The shields of his mighty men are red, his brave men are dressed in scarlet. The chariots flash like fire on the day he gets them ready, and the fir spears are shaken fearfully.
4The chariots rage in the streets. They crash against each other in the wide roads. They look like torches; they run like lightning.
5He calls for his nobles. They stumble as they go. They hurry to the city wall, and the shelter is made ready.
6The river gates are opened, and the palace melts away.
7And Huzzab is led away captive, she is carried off. Her servant girls moan like doves, beating on their breasts.
8Nineveh has long been like a pool of water, but now they run away. "Stand still, stand still," they cry; but no one looks back.
9Take the silver as plunder, take the gold as plunder. There is no end to the treasure, the wealth of every precious thing.
10She is empty, stripped and ruined. Hearts melt, knees knock together, every waist is in pain, and every face grows pale.
11Where is the den of the lions, the feeding place of the young lions, where the lion, the old lion, walked, and the lion's cub, and no one made them afraid?
12The lion tore enough for his cubs, and killed for his lionesses. He filled his holes with prey, and his dens with torn flesh.
13Look, I am against you, says the LORD of hosts. I will burn her chariots in smoke, and the sword will eat up your young lions. I will cut off your prey from the earth, and the voice of your messengers will not be heard any more.