Futile Confidence in Egypt

30 “Woe to the rebellious children,” says the Lord,

a“Who take counsel, but not of Me,

And who 1devise plans, but not of My Spirit,

bThat they may add sin to sin;

2 cWho walk to go down to Egypt,

And dhave not asked My advice,

To strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh,

And to trust in the shadow of Egypt!

3 eTherefore the strength of Pharaoh

Shall be your shame,

And trust in the shadow of Egypt

Shall be your humiliation.

4 For his princes were at fZoan,

And his ambassadors came to Hanes.

5 gThey were all ashamed of a people who could not benefit them,

Or be help or benefit,

But a shame and also a reproach.”

6 hThe 2burden against the beasts of the South.

Through a land of trouble and anguish,

From which came the lioness and lion,

iThe viper and fiery flying serpent,

They will carry their riches on the backs of young donkeys,

And their treasures on the humps of camels,

To a people who shall not profit;

7 jFor the Egyptians shall help in vain and to no purpose.

Therefore I have called her

3Rahab-Hem-Shebeth.