Isaiah 30:8–17

8 And now, go, write it before them on a tablet,

and inscribe it in a book,

that it may be for the time to come

as a witness for ever.

9 For they are a rebellious people,

lying sons,

sons who will not hear

the instruction of the Lord;

10 who say to the seers, “See not”;

and to the prophets, “Prophesy not to us what is right;

speak to us smooth things, prophesy illusions,

11 leave the way, turn aside from the path,

let us hear no more of the Holy One of Israel.”

12 Therefore thus says the Holy One of Israel,

“Because you despise this word,

and trust in oppression and perverseness,

and rely on them;

13 therefore this iniquity shall be to you

like a break in a high wall, bulging out, and about to collapse,

whose crash comes suddenly, in an instant;

14 and its breaking is like that of a potter’s vessel

which is smashed so ruthlessly

that among its fragments not a sherd is found

with which to take fire from the hearth,

or to dip up water out of the cistern.”

15 For thus said the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel,

“In returning and rest you shall be saved;

in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.”

And you would not, 16 but you said,

“No! We will speed upon horses,”

therefore you shall speed away;

and, “We will ride upon swift steeds,”

therefore your pursuers shall be swift.

17 A thousand shall flee at the threat of one,

at the threat of five you shall flee,

till you are left

like a flagstaff on the top of a mountain,

like a signal on a hill.