Don't trust the power of Egypt

1You are in for trouble

if you go to Egypt for help,

or if you depend on

an army of chariots

or a powerful cavalry.

Instead you should depend on

and trust the holy LORD God

of Israel.

2The LORD isn't stupid!

He does what he promises,

and he can bring doom.

If you are cruel yourself,

or help those who are evil,

you will be destroyed.

3The Egyptians are mere humans.

They aren't God.

Their horses are made of flesh;

they can't live for ever.

When the LORD shows his power,

he will destroy the Egyptians

and all who depend on them.

Together they will fall.

4The LORD All-Powerful

said to me,

“I will roar and attack

like a fearless lion

not frightened by the shouts

of shepherds trying to protect

their sheep.

That's how I will come down

and fight on Mount Zion.

5I, the LORD All-Powerful,

will protect Jerusalem

like a mother bird circling

over her nest.”

Come back to the LORD

6People of Israel, come back!

You have completely turned

from the LORD.

7The time is coming

when you will throw away

your idols of silver and gold,

made by your sinful hands.

8The Assyrians will be killed,

but not by the swords

of humans.

Their young men will try

to escape,

but they will be captured

and forced into slavery.

9Their fortress31.9 fortress: The Hebrew text has “rock”, which may refer to the Assyrian god or king, or to their army. will fall

when terror strikes;

their army officers

will be frightened

and run from the battle.

This is what the LORD has said,

the LORD whose fiery furnace

is built on Mount Zion.