My goodness, look at those foolish people.
They’ve gone to Egypt for help.
They’re putting their faith in livestock:
Horses pulling chariots loaded with charioteers.
The army looks strong enough,
So, Israel doesn’t look to their Holy One.
They don’t even mention Egypt to him.
He’s out of the loop.
He can hurt you.
You can count on him to do what he says.
He doesn’t bluff.
He’ll attack evil groups of people
And anyone who lends them a hand.
3Egyptians are human, not God.
Horses are fresh meat, not Spirit.
When the LORD throws a punch
Judah’s helpers in Egypt
Stumble, tumble, and drop.
Then Egypt and Judah die together.
4The LORD said,
“I’ll charge them like a growling lion
And guard their corpses like a young lion.
People might object and scream like shepherds.
But that wouldn’t deter a lion
And it won’t move me.
I’m coming to Mount Zion [1] of Jerusalem.
I’m coming there to fight.
5God will hover above Jerusalem,
Protecting it like birds guard their nests.
He won’t let the enemy destroy Jerusalem.
He’s going to save the city.” [2]
Shame on you
6People of Israel, you should be ashamed of yourselves for turning your backs on God. Stop it. Go back to the LORD. 7You’re covered in guilt for worshiping idols you made with your own hands. There’s coming a day when you’ll destroy them and throw them out. 8Assyrians will fall in battle,
But not in a battle with people.
Young soldiers will run for their lives,
Get captured as slaves,
And put to work.
As its people watch and die in terror,
And panicked commanders desert their posts.”
This message came from the LORD.
He’s cooking with fire [3] in Jerusalem.
He’s flaming mad and hot as an oven.
