23. They destroy her dense forest,though it is vast,because they outnumber locustsand can’t be counted,declares the Lord.
24. Daughter Egypt will be humiliated,handed over to people from the north.
25. This is what the Lord of heavenly forces, the God of Israel, proclaims: I’m going to punish Amon of Thebes, Egypt and its gods and kings, as well as Pharaoh and all who rely on him.
26. I will hand them over to those who seek to kill them, namely Babylon’s King Nebuchadnezzar and his servants. But afterward Egypt will dwell like it did a long time ago, declares the Lord.
27. But don’t be afraid, my servant Judah;don’t lose heart, Israel.I will deliver you from a faraway placeand your children from the land of their exile.My people Jacob will again be safe and sound,with no one harassing them.
28. So don’t be afraid, my servant Jacob,declares the Lord.I’m with you;I will put an end to all the nationswhere I have scattered you.But I won’t put an end to you.I won’t let you avoid punishment;I will discipline you as you deserve.