1 Woe to the rebellious children! This is the Lord’s declaration.They carry out a plan, but not Mine;they make an alliance,but against My will, piling sin on top of sin.
2 They set out to go down to Egypt without asking My advice,in order to seek shelter under Pharaoh’s protectionand take refuge in Egypt’s shadow.
3 But Pharaoh’s protection will become your shame,and refuge in Egypt’s shadow your disgrace.
4 For though his princes are at Zoan and his messengers reach as far as Hanes,
5 everyone will be ashamedbecause of a people who can’t help.They are of no benefit, they are no help;they are good for nothing but shame and reproach.
6 An oracle about the animals of the Negev: Through a land of trouble and distress,of lioness and lion,of viper and flying serpent, they carry their wealth on the backs of donkeysand their treasures on the humps of camels,to a people who will not help them.