⁴⁰ As I overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah^(A)
    along with their neighboring towns,”
declares the Lord,
“so no one will live there;
    no people will dwell in it.^(B)

⁴⁴ Like a lion coming up from Jordan’s thickets^(A)
    to a rich pastureland,
I will chase Babylon from its land in an instant.
    Who is the chosen^(B) one I will appoint for this?
Who is like me and who can challenge me?^(C)
    And what shepherd can stand against me?”

⁴⁵ Therefore, hear what the Lord has planned against Babylon,
    what he has purposed^(D) against the land of the Babylonians:^(E)
The young of the flock will be dragged away;
    their pasture will be appalled at their fate.
⁴⁶ At the sound of Babylon’s capture the earth will tremble;^(F)
    its cry^(G) will resound among the nations.