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12 But those strongholds, Nineveh, are easy pickings,
    like figs on a tree when they first become ripe.
Just shake the tree,
    and figs fall into your open mouth.
13 Look at your fierce troops surrounding you now.
    They cower like untrained women, not battle-hardened warriors.
The gates that should have protected your land
    instead are standing wide open.
Fire burns through the bars; your enemies stroll right in.

14 Draw up plenty of water to put out the fires,
    and prepare, for your enemy will begin a siege.
Get busy working the clay and mud to make extra bricks;
    you’ll need them to repair holes punched in your walls.

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12 All your fortresses are like fig trees
    with their first ripe fruit;(A)
when they are shaken,
    the figs(B) fall into the mouth of the eater.
13 Look at your troops—
    they are all weaklings.(C)
The gates(D) of your land
    are wide open to your enemies;
    fire has consumed the bars of your gates.(E)

14 Draw water for the siege,(F)
    strengthen your defenses!(G)
Work the clay,
    tread the mortar,
    repair the brickwork!

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