1 This is a message about a desert beside the sea:*

Enemies from a hostile nation

attack like a whirlwind

from the Southern Desert.

2 What a horrible vision

was shown to me—

a vision of betrayal

and destruction.

Tell Elam and Media*

to surround and attack

the Babylonians.

The Lord has sworn to end

the suffering they caused.

3 I'm in terrible pain

like a woman giving birth.

I'm shocked and hurt so much

that I can't hear or see.

4 My head spins; I'm horrified!

Early evening, my favorite time,

has become a nightmare.

5 In Babylon the high officials

were having a feast.

They were eating and drinking,

when someone shouted,

"Officers, take your places!

Grab your shields."

6 The Lord said to me,

"Send guards

to find out

what's going on.

7 When they see cavalry troops

and columns of soldiers

on donkeys and camels,

tell them to be ready!"

8 Then a guard* said,

"I have stood day and night

on this watchtower, Lord.

9 * Now I see column after column

of cavalry troops."

At once someone shouted,

"Babylon has fallen!

Every idol in the city

lies broken on the ground."

10 Then I said, "My people,

you have suffered terribly,

but I have a message for you

from the Lord All-Powerful,

the God of Israel."

11 This is a message about Dumah:

From the country of Seir,*

someone shouts to me,

"Guard, how much longer

before daylight?"

12 From my guard post, I answered,

"Morning will soon be here,

but night will return.

If you want to know more,

come back later."

13 This is a message for Arabs who live in the barren desert in the region of Dedan:*

You must order your caravans

14 to bring water for those

who are thirsty.

You people of Tema*

must bring food

for the hungry refugees.

15 They are worn out and weary

from being chased by enemies

with swords and arrows.

16 The Lord said to me:

A year from now the glory of the people of Kedar* will all come to an end, just as a worker's contract ends after a year. 17 Only a few of their warriors will be left with bows and arrows. This is a promise that I, the Lord God of Israel, have made.