5. Why do I see them terrified? They are turning back and their warriors are beaten down. And they have fled to a place of refuge and they do not turn back. Terror is from all around,” declares Yahweh.
6. The swift cannot flee, and the warrior cannot escape. They have stumbled and they have fallen, by the bank of the Euphrates River.
7. Who is this that rises like the Nile, like the rivers whose waters surge?
8. Egypt rises like the Nile, even like the rivers whose waters surge. And he says, “Let me rise, let me cover the earth, let me destroy cities, and the inhabitants in them.”
9. Go up, O horses, and drive madly, O chariots, and let the warriors go forth; Cush and Put, who wield the small shield, and Lud, who wield and bend the bow.
10. For that day is to the Lord Yahweh of hosts a day of retribution, to take revenge on his foes. And the sword will devour and be satisfied, and it will drink its fill of their blood, for a sacrifice is for the Lord Yahweh of hosts in the land of the north by the Euphrates River.
11. Go up to Gilead and take balm, O virgin of the daughter of Egypt. In vain you make use of many medicines; there is no healing for you.
12. The nations have heard your shame, and your cry of lament fills the earth. For warrior has stumbled against warrior, together they have fallen, the two of them.
13. The word that Yahweh spoke to Jeremiah the prophet about the coming of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon to attack the land of Egypt:
14. “Declare in Egypt, and proclaim in Migdol, and proclaim in Memphis and in Tahpanhes, say, ‘Take your stand and be prepared, for the sword will devour those all around you.’