1. Woe to the rebellious children! This is the Lord’s declaration.They carry out a plan, but not Mine;they make an alliance,but against My will, piling sin on top of sin.
2. They set out to go down to Egypt without asking My advice,in order to seek shelter under Pharaoh’s protectionand take refuge in Egypt’s shadow.
3. But Pharaoh’s protection will become your shame,and refuge in Egypt’s shadow your disgrace.
4. For though his princes are at Zoan and his messengers reach as far as Hanes,
5. everyone will be ashamedbecause of a people who can’t help.They are of no benefit, they are no help;they are good for nothing but shame and reproach.
6. An oracle about the animals of the Negev: Through a land of trouble and distress,of lioness and lion,of viper and flying serpent, they carry their wealth on the backs of donkeysand their treasures on the humps of camels,to a people who will not help them.
7. Egypt’s help is completely worthless;therefore, I call her:Rahab Who Just Sits.
8. Go now, write it on a tablet in their presenceand inscribe it on a scroll;it will be for the future,forever and ever.