1The prophecy regarding the Desert by the Sea (Babylon). Like whirlwinds sweeping through the Negev (south lands); so an invader comes from the desert, from a land of terror.
2A dire and stern vision is shown to me; the traitor betrays and takes loot from the looters. Go ahead, you Elamites; lay siege, you Medes; I will bring an end to all the groaning she (Babylon) caused.
3This causes my body to be filled with pain; pangs like those of a woman in labor, seize me. I am staggered by what I heard; bewildered by what I see.
4My heart falters, fear grips me; the dark of night I longed for He has turned to fear within me.
5They prepare the table for a great feast, eating and drinking. Arise, you nobles, and grab the shields to repel an attack.
6For this is what the LORD has said to me, “Go, post a lookout, let him report what he sees”.
7When he sees a chariot with teams of horses, mules, or camels; let him be attentive alert to what he hears:
8And the lookout shouted: “My lord, I stand day and night at my watchtower post;
9And, now, at last here comes a man on a chariot with a pair of horses”. And he reported to me, “Babylon is fallen, is fallen; and all the graven images of her gods the LORD has broken to the ground.”
10O my people, who are crushed and winnowed like grain of the threshing floor; what I have heard from the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, I have declared to you.
11The prophecy regarding Dumah. An Edomite calls to me out of Seir, “Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what is left of the night?”
12The watchman replies, “Morning is coming, but soon the night; if you wish to inquire further, return and ask.”
13The prophecy regarding Arabia. O you traveling caravans of Dedanim, who camp in the deserts of Arabia.
14Bring water for the thirsty who live in the land of Tema, and food for the refugees.
15For they flee from the drawn sword, from the bent bow, and from the heat of battle.
16For this is what the LORD has said to me, “Within one year, as the servant under contract would count time, and all the glory of Kedar shall come to an end;
17And the survivors among the warriors of Kedar, shall be few; for I, the LORD God of Israel have spoken.” Isaiah 22 Easy Reader Bible: Purple Letter Edition © 2023 by Jim Musser. Used by Permission. All rights Reserved. Bible Hub |
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