1. How horrible it will be for thosewho go to Egypt for help,who rely on horses,who depend on many chariots,who depend on very strong war horses.They don’t look to the Holy One of Israel.They don’t seek the Lord.
2. He is wise and can bring about disaster.He doesn’t take back his words.He rises against wicked peopleand against those who help troublemakers.
3. The Egyptians are humans, not gods.Their horses are flesh and blood, not spirit.When the Lord uses his powerful hand,the one who gives help will stumble,and the one who receives help will fall.Both will die together.
4. This is what the Lord said to me:A lion, even a young lion, growls over its preywhen a crowd of shepherds is called to fight it.It isn’t frightened by their voicesor disturbed by the noise they make.So the Lord of Armies will come to fight forMount Zion and its hill.
5. The Lord of Armies will defend Jerusalem like a hovering bird.He will defend it and rescue it.He will pass over it and protect it.
6. You people of Israel, return to the onewhom you have so violently rebelled against.
7. When that day comes, all of you will rejectthe silver and gold idolsthat your sinful hands have made.
8. Then Assyrians will be killed with swords not made by human hands.Swords not made by human hands will destroy them.They will flee from battle,and their young men will be made to do forced labor.
9. In terror they will run to their stronghold,and their officers will be frightened at ⌊the sight of⌋ the battle flag.The Lord declares this. His fire is in Zion and his furnace is in Jerusalem.