Isaiah 30:1–7

Judah’s Worthless Treaty with Egypt

¹“What sorrow awaits my rebellious children,”

says the Lord.

“You make plans that are contrary to mine.

You make alliances not directed by my Spirit,

thus piling up your sins.

²For without consulting me,

you have gone down to Egypt for help.

You have put your trust in Pharaoh’s protection.

You have tried to hide in his shade.

³But by trusting Pharaoh, you will be humiliated,

and by depending on him, you will be disgraced.

⁴For though his power extends to Zoan

and his officials have arrived in Hanes,

⁵all who trust in him will be ashamed.

He will not help you.

Instead, he will disgrace you.”

⁶This message came to me concerning the animals in the Negev:

The caravan moves slowly

across the terrible desert to Egypt—

donkeys weighed down with riches

and camels loaded with treasure—

all to pay for Egypt’s protection.

They travel through the wilderness,

a place of lionesses and lions,

a place where vipers and poisonous snakes live.

All this, and Egypt will give you nothing in return.

⁷Egypt’s promises are worthless!

Therefore, I call her Rahab—

the Harmless Dragon.