Judgment Against Damascus

23 The Lord spoke about Damascus.

“The people of Hamath and Arpad will be dismayed

because they have heard bad news.

Their courage will melt away because of worry.

Their hearts will not be able to rest.

24 The people of Damascus will lose heart and turn to flee.

Panic will grip them.

Pain and anguish will seize them

like a woman in labor.

25 How deserted will that once-famous city be,

that city that was once filled with joy!

26 For her young men will fall in her city squares.

All her soldiers will be destroyed at that time,”

says the Lord who rules over all.

27 “I will set fire to the walls of Damascus;

it will burn up the palaces of Ben Hadad.”