1:5 “Look at the nations and pay attention! ¹ 

You will be shocked and amazed! ² 

For I will do something in your lifetime ³ 

that you will not believe even though you are forewarned. ⁴ 

1:6 Look, I am about to empower ⁵  the Babylonians,

that ruthless ⁶  and greedy ⁷  nation.

They sweep across the surface ⁸  of the earth,

seizing dwelling places that do not belong to them.

1:7 They are frightening and terrifying;

they decide for themselves what is right. ⁹ 

1:8 Their horses are faster than leopards

and more alert ¹⁰  than wolves in the desert. ¹¹ 

Their horses ¹²  gallop, ¹³ 

their horses come a great distance;

like a vulture ¹⁴  they swoop down quickly to devour their prey. ¹⁵ 

1:9 All of them intend ¹⁶  to do violence;

every face is determined. ¹⁷ 

They take prisoners as easily as one scoops up sand. ¹⁸ 

1:10 They mock kings

and laugh at rulers.

They laugh at every fortified city;

they build siege ramps ¹⁹  and capture them.

1:11 They sweep by like the wind and pass on. ²⁰ 

But the one who considers himself a god will be held guilty.” ²¹