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What a horrible vision
    was shown to me—
a vision of betrayal
    and destruction.
Tell Elam and Media[a]
to surround and attack
    the Babylonians.
The Lord has sworn to end
    the suffering they caused.

I'm in terrible pain
    like a woman giving birth.
I'm shocked and hurt so much
    that I can't hear or see.
My head spins; I'm horrified!
Early evening, my favorite time,
    has become a nightmare.

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Footnotes

  1. 21.2 Elam and Media: People from the Iranian highlands; the capital of Elam was Susa, in the hill country east of Babylon.

A dire(A) vision has been shown to me:
    The traitor betrays,(B) the looter takes loot.
Elam,(C) attack! Media,(D) lay siege!
    I will bring to an end all the groaning she caused.

At this my body is racked with pain,(E)
    pangs seize me, like those of a woman in labor;(F)
I am staggered by what I hear,
    I am bewildered(G) by what I see.
My heart(H) falters,
    fear makes me tremble;(I)
the twilight I longed for
    has become a horror(J) to me.

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