²⁸ Their arrows are sharp,^(A)
    all their bows^(B) are strung;
their horses’ hooves^(C) seem like flint,
    their chariot wheels like a whirlwind.^(D)

⁹ For I will stir^(A) up and bring against Babylon
    an alliance of great nations^(B) from the land of the north.^(C)
They will take up their positions against her,
    and from the north she will be captured.^(D)
Their arrows^(E) will be like skilled warriors
    who do not return empty-handed.

¹⁴ “Take up your positions around Babylon,
    all you who draw the bow.^(A)
Shoot at her! Spare no arrows,^(B)
    for she has sinned against the Lord.

²⁹ “Summon archers against Babylon,
    all those who draw the bow.^(A)
Encamp all around her;
    let no one escape.^(B)
Repay^(C) her for her deeds;^(D)
    do to her as she has done.
For she has defied^(E) the Lord,
    the Holy One^(F) of Israel.

³ Let not the archer string his bow,^(A)
    nor let him put on his armor.^(B)
Do not spare her young men;
    completely destroy^[a] her army.