In this ¹  vision I saw myself in Susa ²  the citadel, ³  which is located in the province of Elam. In the vision I saw myself at the Ulai Canal. ⁴ 

In that day people ¹  will come to you ²  from Assyria as far as ³  Egypt, from Egypt as far as the Euphrates River, ⁴  from the seacoasts ⁵  and the mountains. ⁶ 

Tyre built herself a fortification and piled up silver like dust and gold like the mud of the streets!

Hazael asked, “Why are you crying, my master?” He replied, “Because I know the trouble you will cause the Israelites. You will set fire to their fortresses, kill their young men with the sword, smash their children to bits, and rip open their pregnant women.”

These were the ones who served the king, besides those whom the king placed in the fortified cities throughout Judah.

He appointed judges throughout the land and in each of the fortified cities of Judah. ¹ 

¹ These are the words of Nehemiah ²  son of Hacaliah: It so happened that in the month of Kislev, in the twentieth year, ³  I was in Susa ⁴  the citadel.

In those days, as King Ahasuerus sat on his royal throne in Susa ¹  the citadel, ² 

On that same day the number of those killed in Susa the citadel was brought to the king’s attention.

The Lord strengthens his people; ¹  he protects and delivers his chosen king. ² 

You led us into a trap; ¹  you caused us to suffer. ² 

The wicked person desires a stronghold, ¹  but the righteous root ²  endures. ³ 

In the fear of the Lord one has ¹  strong confidence, ²  and it will be a refuge ³  for his children.

The name of the Lord ¹  is like ²  a strong tower; ³  the righteous person runs ⁴  to it and is set safely on high. ⁵ 

The wise person ¹  can scale ²  the city of the mighty and bring down the stronghold ³  in which they trust. ⁴ 

So come on, let’s go ahead and attack it by night and destroy all its fortified buildings.’

“I will set fire to the walls of Damascus; it will burn up the palaces of Ben Hadad.” ¹ 

I will pour out my anger upon Pelusium, ¹  the stronghold of Egypt; I will cut off ²  the hordes of Thebes.

I will destroy the cities of your land, and tear down all your fortresses.

The Lord is good ¹  – indeed, ²  he is a fortress ³  in time of distress, ⁴  and he protects ⁵  those who seek refuge ⁶  in him.