1. The Lord declares,“How horrible it will be for those rebellious children.They carry out plans, but not mine.They make alliances against my will.They pile sin on top of sin.
2. They go to Egypt without asking me.They look for shelter under Pharaoh’s protectionand look for refuge in Egypt’s shadow.
3. But Pharaoh’s protection will be their shame,and the refuge in Egypt’s shadow will be their disgrace.
4. Although Pharaoh’s officials are in Zoanand his messengers have reached Hanes,
5. the people of Judah will be put to shamebecause that nation can’t help them.That nation can’t give aid or help to them.It can only offer shame and disgrace.”
6. This is the divine revelation about the animals in the Negev.“My people travel through landswhere they experience distress and hardship.Lions and lionesses live there.Vipers and poisonous snakes live there.They carry their riches on the backs of young donkeysand their treasures on the humps of camelsto a nation that can’t help them.
7. Egypt’s help is completely useless.That is why I call it, ‘Rahab who sits still.’