21. Even her mercenaries among herare like stall-fed calves.They too will turn back;together they will flee;they will not take their stand,for the day of their calamity is coming on them,the time of their punishment.
22. Egypt will hiss like a slithering snake, for the enemy will come with an army;with axes they will come against herlike those who cut trees.
23. They will cut down her forest —this is the Lord’s declaration —though it is dense,for they are more numerous than locusts;they cannot be counted.
24. Daughter Egypt will be put to shame,handed over to a northern people.
25. The Lord of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: “I am about to punish Amon, god of Thebes, along with Pharaoh, Egypt, her gods, and her kings — Pharaoh and those trusting in him.
26. I will hand them over to those who want to take their lives — to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and his officers. But after this, it will be inhabited again as in ancient times.”This is the Lord’s declaration.
27. But you, My servant Jacob, do not be afraid, and do not be discouraged, Israel,for without fail I will save you from far awayand your descendants, from the land of their captivity!Jacob will return and have calm and quietwith no one to frighten him.
28. And you, My servant Jacob, do not be afraid —this is the Lord’s declaration —for I will be with you. I will bring destruction on all the nationswhere I have banished you,but I will not bring destruction on you.I will discipline you with justice,and I will by no means leave you unpunished.