Translation: The translation of this verse is made difficult because there is no clear translation for the animal intended by the Hebrew qippod. The KJV translates qippod with bittern, which is a type of heron common in England, and hence not likely to have been the correct zoological species. Blenkinsopp notes that other attempts at translation have yielded “hedgehog,” “ruffled bustard,” “screech owl,” and “porcupine.” Regardless of the particular animal, the land of Babylon will no longer be for people, but for an animal. The intent of the passage suggests that this animal would not be typically seen with people, as it is the desolation of Babylon that is being portrayed. The “besom” is an archaic word for a broom. This verse ends the taunting of Babylon.