13 The king will say,“I did this with my own two powerful hands.I did this with my wisdom, because I am so clever.I’ve eliminated the boundaries of nations.I’ve looted treasuries.I’ve brought down people like a mighty man.
14 I’ve found the riches of nations as one finds a nest.I’ve gathered the whole world as one gathers abandoned eggs.Not one of them flapped a wing, opened its mouth, or peeped.”
15 Can an ax attack the person who cuts with it?Can a saw make itself greater than the person who saws with it?A rod cannot move the person who lifts it.A wooden stick cannot pick up a person.
16 That is why the Almighty Lord of Armieswill send a degenerative disease against brave men.A flame will be turned into a raging fire under his power.
17 Israel’s light will become a flame.Its Holy One will become a fire.He will burn up and devour the weeds and thornbushes in one day.
18 The majestic forest and the orchardwill destroy both body and soul.They will be like a sick person wasting away.
19 The trees that remain in the forest will be so few thata child could count them.