5. The Lord says, “I am going to bring terrible disasters on the whole world — war and famine, death and destruction —
6. because wickedness has spread everywhere, and evil has reached its limit.”
7. “Therefore,” the Lord says,
8. “I will no longer remain silent about the wickedness of these godless people; I will no longer tolerate it. They have murdered innocent people, and the blood they have spilt cries out to me for revenge; the souls of the righteous are constantly pleading for vengeance.
9. Let there be no doubt,” says the Lord, “I will hear the plea of all the innocent people who have been murdered and I will take vengeance for what has been done to them.
40-41. Huge, powerful, angry storm clouds will arise and ruin the whole world and its people. A terrible storm of fire, hail, and flashing swords will come sweeping down on those who have power and authority. Every river will overflow into the fields, and the floods
42. will demolish cities, walls, mountains, hills, forests, and crops.
43-44. This destruction will press on until it reaches Babylon and engulfs it in a raging storm of ruin. The dust and the smoke will form a great cloud reaching to the sky, and all the neighbouring cities will mourn for Babylon.
45. Anyone who survives will become a slave to those who destroyed the city.
46-47. You, Asia, are to be pitied. You are doomed! You have enjoyed the splendour and glory of Babylon. You have imitated her and dressed up your daughters to look like prostitutes to please and gratify your lovers, who have always lusted for you.
48. Because you have imitated that vile prostitute in everything she has done or planned, God has this to say:
49. “I will send disasters upon you. I will make you a widow and send poverty, famine, war, and epidemics to destroy your homes and bring ruin and death.
50. The power of which you boast will wither like a flower when the burning heat is sent upon you.
51. You will be a wretched, weak woman so bruised, beaten, and wounded that you will no longer attract your wealthy lovers.
52. I would not punish you so severely,” says the Lord,
53. “if you had not murdered my chosen people. But you took great delight in striking them, and when you were drunk, you boasted about killing them.
54. “Paint your face!
55. You will be paid for your work as a prostitute; you will get what you have earned.