1 “The rebellious children are as good as dead,” says the Lord,“those who make plans without consulting me,who form alliances without consulting my Spirit,and thereby compound their sin.
2 They travel down to Egyptwithout seeking my will,seeking Pharaoh’s protection,and looking for safety in Egypt’s protective shade.
3 But Pharaoh’s protection will bring you nothing but shame,and the safety of Egypt’s protective shade nothing but humiliation.
4 Though his officials are in Zoanand his messengers arrive at Hanes,
5 all will be put to shamebecause of a nation that cannot help them,who cannot give them aid or help,but only shame and disgrace.”
6 This is a message about the animals in the Negev:Through a land of distress and danger,inhabited by lionesses and roaring lions,by snakes and darting adders,they transport their wealth on the backs of donkeys,their riches on the humps of camels,to a nation that cannot help them.