1 The Lord Will Judge Those Who Depend on Egypt
1 How terrible it will be for those who go down to Egypt for help! 1 How terrible for those who depend on horses! 1 They trust in how many chariots they have. 1 They trust in how strong their horsemen are. 1 But they don't look to the Holy One of Israel. 1 They don't ask the Lord for his help.
2 He too is wise. He can bring horrible trouble. 2 He does what he says he'll do. 2 He'll rise up against everyone who does what is evil. 2 He'll fight against those who help them.
3 The people of Egypt are only human. 3 They aren't God. 3 Their horses are only flesh and blood. 3 They aren't spirits. 3 The Lord will reach out his powerful hand 3 to punish everyone. 3 The Egyptians provide help. 3 But they will be tripped up. 3 The people of Judah receive the help. 3 But they will fall down. 3 All of them will be destroyed.
4 The Lord says to me, 4 "A powerful lion stands over its food and growls. 4 A lot of shepherds can be brought together to drive it away. 4 But the lion is not frightened by their shouts. 4 It is not upset by the noise they make. 4 In the same way, I will come down from heaven. 4 I will fight on Mount Zion and on its hills. 4 Nothing will drive me away. 4 I am the Lord who rules over all.
5 Like a bird hovering over its nest, I will guard Jerusalem. 5 I will keep it safe. 5 I will pass over it and save it. 5 I am the Lord who rules over all."
6 People of Israel, return to the Lord. He's the one you have so strongly opposed. 7 The time will come when every one of you will turn your backs on your gods of silver and gold. You sinned when you made them with your own hands.
8 The Lord says, "The Assyrians will be killed with swords. 8 But it will not be people who use them. 8 The swords that kill them will not be used by human beings. 8 The Assyrians will run away from those swords. 8 But their young men will be caught 8 and forced to work hard.
9 Their hiding places will be destroyed 9 when terror strikes them. 9 When their commanders see their enemy's battle flags, 9 they will be filled with panic," 9 announces the Lord. 9 His fire blazes out from Mount Zion. 9 His furnace burns in Jerusalem.
