The LORD’s Answer

5 “Look at the nations and observe—

be utterly astounded![fn]

For [I am] doing a work in your days

that you would never believe

even if [someone] told you.[fn]

6 For behold, I am raising up the Chaldeans[fn]—

that ruthless and impetuous nation

which marches through the breadth of the earth

to seize dwellings not their own.

7 They are dreaded and feared;

from themselves they derive justice and sovereignty.

8 Their horses are swifter than leopards,

fiercer than wolves of the night.

Their horsemen charge ahead,

and their cavalry comes from afar.

They fly like a vulture,

swooping down to devour.

9 All of them come bent on violence;

their hordes [advance like] the east [wind];

they gather prisoners like sand.

10 They scoff at kings

and {make} rulers an object of scorn

They laugh at every fortress

and build up siege ramps to seize it.

11 Then they sweep by like the wind

and pass through.

They are guilty;

their own strength is their god.”