Study Desk

All the nations of the world will stand amazed at what the Lord will do for you. They will be embarrassed at their feeble power. They will cover their mouths in silent awe, deaf to everything around them.

And this is what the Lord says concerning the Assyrians in Nineveh: "You will have no more children to carry on your name. I will destroy all the idols in the temples of your gods. I am preparing a grave for you because you are despicable!"

Look! A messenger is coming over the mountains with good news! He is bringing a message of peace. Celebrate your festivals, O people of Judah, and fulfill all your vows, for your wicked enemies will never invade your land again. They will be completely destroyed!

The lion tore up meat for his cubs and strangled prey for his mate. He filled his den with prey, his caverns with his plunder.

And you, Nineveh, will also stagger like a drunkard. You will hide for fear of the attacking enemy.

Get ready for the siege! Store up water! Strengthen the defenses! Go into the pits to trample clay, and pack it into molds, making bricks to repair the walls.

There is no healing for your wound; your injury is fatal. All who hear of your destruction will clap their hands for joy. Where can anyone be found who has not suffered from your continual cruelty?

How long, O Lord , must I call for help? But you do not listen! "Violence is everywhere!" I cry, but you do not come to save.

The Lord replied, "Look around at the nations; look and be amazed! For I am doing something in your own day, something you wouldn't believe even if someone told you about it.

They are notorious for their cruelty and do whatever they like.

They sweep past like the wind and are gone. But they are deeply guilty, for their own strength is their god."

O Lord my God, my Holy One, you who are eternal— surely you do not plan to wipe us out? O Lord , our Rock, you have sent these Babylonians to correct us, to punish us for our many sins.

This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed.

For as the waters fill the sea, the earth will be filled with an awareness of the glory of the Lord .

I trembled inside when I heard this; my lips quivered with fear. My legs gave way beneath me, and I shook in terror. I will wait quietly for the coming day when disaster will strike the people who invade us.

The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights. (For the choir director: This prayer is to be accompanied by stringed instruments.)

For they go up to their roofs and bow down to the sun, moon, and stars. They claim to follow the Lord , but then they worship Molech, too.

And I will destroy those who used to worship me but now no longer do. They no longer ask for the Lord 's guidance or seek my blessings."

Stand in silence in the presence of the Sovereign Lord , for the awesome day of the Lord 's judgment is near. The Lord has prepared his people for a great slaughter and has chosen their executioners.

Wail in sorrow, all you who live in the market area, for all the merchants and traders will be destroyed.