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21 <1> This is a message[202] about the Sea Desert[203]:
It is coming like a storm blowing
through the Negev.[204]
It is coming in from the desert,
from a frightening nation.
<2> I was given a vision
about the hard times that will come.
I see traitors turning against you.
I see people taking your wealth.
Elam, go against them!
Media, surround the city!
I will put an end to all their moaning.
<3> I saw those terrible things,
and now I am afraid.
My fear makes my stomach hurt,
like the pain of giving birth.
What I hear scares me.
What I see makes me shake with fear.
<4> I am worried and shaking with fear.
My pleasant evening has become
a nightmare.
<5> People are rushing around shouting their orders.
"Set the table!
Post the guard!
Get something to eat and drink!
Officers, get up!
Polish your shields!"
<6> My Master said to me, "Go find someone to guard this city. He must report whatever he sees. <7> Whether he sees a chariot and a team of horses or men riding donkeys or camels, he must listen carefully."[205]
<8> Then one day the watchman[206] called out,
"My Master, every day I have been in the watchtower[207] watching.
Every night I have been standing on duty, but .
<9> Look! I see a man in a chariot with a team of horses.[208]"
The messenger said,
"Babylon has been defeated
and has fallen to the ground.
All the statues of her false gods
were thrown to the ground and broken to pieces."
<10> [Isaiah said,] "My crushed people, I have told you everything that I heard from the Lord All-Powerful, the God of Israel. You will be like the grain crushed on my threshing[209] floor."
<11> This is a message about Dumah[210]:
There is someone calling to me from Seir.[211]
"Guard, how much of the night is left?
How much longer will it be night?"
<12> The guard answered,
"Morning is coming,
but then night will come again.
If you have something to ask, ask it.
Come back[212] again."
<13> This is a message about Arabia:
A caravan[213] from Dedan spent the night
near some trees in the Arabian desert.
<14> They gave water to some thirsty travelers.
The people of Tema gave them food.
<15> They were running from swords
that were ready to kill.
They were running from bows
that were ready to shoot.
They were running from a hard battle.
<16> The Lord my Master told me this would happen. He said, "In one year, the way a hired helper counts time, all Kedar's[214] glory will be gone. <17> Only a few of the archers,[215] the great soldiers of Kedar, will be left alive." The Lord, the God of Israel, told me this.
© Copyright 2004 World Bible Translation Center.