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.
7. Egypt is totally incapable of helping.For this reason I call her‘Proud one who is silenced.’”
8. Now go, write it down on a tablet in their presence,inscribe it on a scroll,so that it might be preserved for a future timeas an enduring witness.
9. For these are rebellious people – they are lying children,children unwilling to obey the Lord’s law.
10. They say to the visionaries, “See no more visions!”and to the seers, “Don’t relate messages to us about what is right!Tell us nice things,relate deceptive messages.
11. Turn aside from the way,stray off the path.Remove from our presence the Holy One of Israel.”
12. For this reason this is what the Holy One of Israel says:“You have rejected this message;you trust instead in your ability to oppress and trick,and rely on that kind of behavior.
13. So this sin will become your downfall.You will be like a high wall that bulges and cracks and is ready to collapse;it crumbles suddenly, in a flash.