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11 
Sharpen the arrows, take up the shields [and cover yourselves]!
The Lord has stirred up the spirit of the kings of the [a]Medes,
Because His purpose concerning Babylon is to destroy it;
For that is the vengeance of the Lord, vengeance [on Babylon] for [plundering and destroying] His temple.
12 
Set up a signal on the walls of Babylon [to spread the news];
Post a strong blockade,
Station the guards,
Prepare the men for ambush!
For the Lord has both purposed and done
That which He spoke against the people of Babylon.
13 
[O Babylon] you who live by many waters,
Rich in treasures,
Your end has come,
And the line measuring your life is cut.(A)

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Footnotes

  1. Jeremiah 51:11 Perhaps a reference to the conquest of Babylon by the Medes and the Persians in 539 b.c.

11 “Sharpen the arrows,(A)
    take up the shields!(B)
The Lord has stirred up the kings(C) of the Medes,(D)
    because his purpose(E) is to destroy Babylon.
The Lord will take vengeance,(F)
    vengeance for his temple.(G)
12 Lift up a banner(H) against the walls of Babylon!
    Reinforce the guard,
station the watchmen,(I)
    prepare an ambush!(J)
The Lord will carry out his purpose,(K)
    his decree against the people of Babylon.
13 You who live by many waters(L)
    and are rich in treasures,(M)
your end has come,
    the time for you to be destroyed.(N)

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