¹⁵ for every lofty tower^(A)
    and every fortified wall,^(B)

²⁶ He lifts up a banner^(A) for the distant nations,
    he whistles^(B) for those at the ends of the earth.^(C)
Here they come,
    swiftly and speedily!
²⁷ Not one of them grows tired^(D) or stumbles,
    not one slumbers or sleeps;
not a belt^(E) is loosened at the waist,^(F)
    not a sandal strap is broken.^(G)
28 Their arrows are sharp,^(H)
    all their bows^(I) are strung;
their horses’ hooves^(J) seem like flint,
    their chariot wheels like a whirlwind.^(K)
29 Their roar is like that of the lion,^(L)
    they roar like young lions;
they growl as they seize^(M) their prey
    and carry it off with no one to rescue.^(N)

⁷ A lion^(A) has come out of his lair;^(B)
    a destroyer^(C) of nations has set out.
He has left his place
    to lay waste^(D) your land.
Your towns will lie in ruins^(E)
    without inhabitant.

⁶ Therefore a lion from the forest^(A) will attack them,
    a wolf from the desert will ravage^(B) them,
a leopard^(C) will lie in wait near their towns
    to tear to pieces any who venture out,
for their rebellion is great
    and their backslidings many.^(D)