1. The Lord said,“How terrible it will be for these stubborn children.They make plans, but they don’t ask me to help them.They make agreements with other nations, without asking my Spirit.They are adding more and more sins to themselves.
2. They go down to Egypt for help,but they didn’t ask me about it first.They hope they will be saved by the king of Egypt.They want Egypt to protect them.
3. But hiding in Egypt will bring you only shame.Egypt’s protection will only disappoint you.
4. Your officers have gone to Zoan.Your messengers have gone to Hanes.
5. But they will be put to shame,because Egypt is useless to them.Egypt will give no help and be of no use.It will cause them only shame and embarrassment.”
6. This is the message about the animals in southern Judah:Southern Judah is a dangerous place.It is full of lions and lionesses,poisonous snakes and darting snakes.The messengers travel through there with their wealth on donkeys’ backs.They have put their treasure on the backs of camels.They carry them to a nation that cannot help them.
7. They go to Egypt whose help is useless.So I call that country Rahab the Do-Nothing.
8. Now write this on a sign for the people.Write this on a scroll.Write these things for the days to come.Write them so they will last forever.
9. These people are like children who lie and refuse to obey.They refuse to listen to the Lord’s teachings.
10. They tell the seers,“Don’t see any more visions!”They say to the prophets,“Don’t tell us the truth!Say things that will make us feel good.See only good things for us.
11. Stop blocking our path.Get out of our way.Stop telling usabout God, the Holy One of Israel.”
12. So this is what the Holy One of Israel says:“You people have refused to accept this message from the Lord.You depended on cruelty and lies to help you.
13. You are guilty of these things.So you are like a high wall with cracks in it.It will fall suddenly and break into small pieces.