1. This is the word of the Lord that came to Jeremiah the prophet concerning the nations:
2. Concerning Egypt:This is the message against the army of Pharaoh Necho king of Egypt, which was defeated at Carchemish on the River Euphrates by Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon in the fourth year of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah:
3. ‘Prepare your shields, both large and small,and march out for battle!
4. Harness the horses,mount the steeds!Take your positionswith helmets on!Polish your spears,put on your armour!
5. What do I see?They are terrified,they are retreating,their warriors are defeated.They flee in hastewithout looking back,and there is terror on every side,’declares the Lord.
6. ‘The swift cannot fleenor the strong escape.In the north by the River Euphratesthey stumble and fall.
7. ‘Who is this that rises like the Nile,like rivers of surging waters?
8. Egypt rises like the Nile,like rivers of surging waters.She says, “I will rise and cover the earth;I will destroy cities and their people.”