²⁸ Their arrows are sharpened,
and all their bows strung.
Their horses’ hooves are like flint;
their chariot wheels are like a whirlwind.

⁹ For I will soon stir up and bring against Babylon^(A)
an assembly of great nations from the north country.
They will line up in battle formation against her;^(B)
from there she will be captured.
Their arrows will be like a skilled^[a] warrior
who does not return empty-handed.

¹⁴ Line up in battle formation around Babylon,
all you archers!
Shoot at her! Do not spare an arrow,
for she has sinned against the Lord.

²⁹ Summon the archers to Babylon,
all who string the bow;
camp all around her; let none escape.
Repay her according to her deeds;^(A)
just as she has done, do the same to her,
for she has acted arrogantly against the Lord,
against the Holy One of Israel.^(B)

³ Don’t let the archer string his bow;
don’t let him put on^[a] his armor.^(A)
Don’t spare her young men;
completely destroy her entire army!