The Egyptian alliance a ruinous policy

The embassy to Egypt

30 Ha! you refractory sons, says the Lord,

who follow a purpose I did not inspire,

and who make an alliance that I did not sanction,

thus heaping sin upon sin.

2 They start on their journey to Egypt,

without consulting me,

to flee to the shelter of Pharaoh will turn to your shame,

and the shadow of Egypt will prove your confusion.

4 The princes encamp in Zoan,

the envoys arrive at Hanes,

5 all of them laden with gifts

for a people who cannot avail them,

that brings no help or profit,

but only disgrace and shame.

6 Oracle concerning the beasts of the South.

Through a land of distress and hardship,

of lioness and roaring lion,

of viper and flying dragon,

they carry their wealth on the backs of young asses,

their treasures on humps of camels,

to a people who cannot avail them,

whose help is vain and empty.

7 And therefore I name her Rahab,

the monster brought to silence.

Judah’s rebellion and ruin

8 Now go and write it down,

and on a roll inscribe it,

that it may be for the after-time,

a testimony for ever.

9 For a rebel people are they,

sons who are utterly false,

sons who refuse to listen

to the teaching of the Lord –

10 That forbid the seers to see

and the prophets to prophesy truth.

‘Speak to us smooth things,’ they say,

‘and prophesy illusions.

11 Give over your wonted ways,

and leave your well-worn tracks;

and trouble us no more

with the Holy One of Israel.’

12 This therefore is the message

of the Holy One of Israel:

‘Because you reject this word,

and trust in guile and craft,

and lean your weight thereon,

13 this guilt of yours will be

like a rift in a lofty wall,

that bulges, ready to fall,

till suddenly and swiftly

down it comes with a crash –

14 a crash like that of a pitcher

so ruthlessly dashed in pieces,

that not a shred can be found

among the scattered fragments

wherewith to take fire from the heart,

or to draw from the cistern water.’

15 For thus says the Lord the Lord,

the Holy One of Israel,

‘In calmly resting your safety lies,

in quiet trust will be your strength.’

16 But this you refused. you said ‘No;

but away we will speed upon horseback.’

Yes, speed indeed you will.

‘On steeds that are swift we will ride.’

Yes, and swift will be they who pursue you.

17 At the menace of five you will flee,

until only a remnant be left,

like a pole on the top of a mountain,

or a signal upon a hill.