Isaiah 31

1

Woe to  those who go down to Egypt for help,

who rely on horses, who trust in the multitude of

their chariots and in the great strength of their horsemen,

but do not look to the Holy One of Israel, or seek help

from the LORD.

2

Yet he too is wise and can bring disaster;

he does not take back his words.

He will rise up against the house of the wicked,

against those who help evildoers.

3

But the Egyptians are men not God;

their horses are flesh and not spirit.

When the LORD stretches out his hand,

he who helps will stumble,

he who is helped will fall;

both will perish together.

4

This is what the LORD says to me:

"As a lion growls, a great lion over his prey -

and though a whole band of shepherds

is called together against him,

he is not frightened by their shouts or disturbed by

their clamor - so the LORD Almighty will come down

to do battle on Mount Zion and on its heights.

5

Like birds hovering overhead,

the LORD Almighty will shield Jerusalem;

he will shield it and deliver it,

he will 'pass over' it and rescue it."

6

Return to him you have so greatly revolted against, O Israelites.

7

For in that day every one of you will reject the idols

of silver and gold your sinful hands have made.

8

"Assyria will fall by a sword that is not of man;

a sword, not of mortals, will devour them.

They will flee before the sword and

their young men will put to forced labor.

9

Their stronghold will fall because of terror;

at sight of the battle standard their commanders will panic,"

declares the LORD, whose fire is in Zion,

whose furnace is in Jerusalem.