"By my great power and strength I created the world, human beings, and all the animals that live on the earth; and I give it to anyone I choose.

All nations will serve him, and they will serve his son and his grandson until the time comes for his own nation to fall. Then his nation will serve powerful nations and great kings.

Destroy its horses and chariots! Death to its hired soldiers--- how weak they are! Destroy its treasures; plunder and loot.

Even if Babylon could climb to the sky and build a strong fortress there, I would still send people to destroy it. I, the LORD, have spoken."

So now this is what I, the Sovereign LORD, am saying: I am giving the land of Egypt to King Nebuchadnezzar. He will loot and plunder it and carry off all the wealth of Egypt as his army's pay.

I am giving him Egypt in payment for his services, because his army was working for me. I, the Sovereign LORD, have spoken.

Tell us what the future holds--- then we will know that you are gods! Do something good or bring some disaster; fill us with fear and awe!

"This is the command of Cyrus, Emperor of Persia. The LORD, the God of Heaven, has made me ruler over the whole world and has given me the responsibility of building a temple for him in Jerusalem in Judah.

Israel, the LORD who created you says, "Do not be afraid---I will save you. I have called you by name---you are mine.

I am the one who spoke and called him; I led him out and gave him success.

Listen to me, distant nations, you people who live far away! Before I was born, the LORD chose me and appointed me to be his servant.

Moses said to the LORD, "It is true that you have told me to lead these people to that land, but you did not tell me whom you would send with me. You have said that you know me well and are pleased with me.

The LORD said to Moses, "I will do just as you have asked, because I know you very well and I am pleased with you."