1 Woe to the sons that leave, saith the LORD, to make counsel, but not of me; to cover themselves with a covering, and not by my spirit, adding sin unto sin! 2 They leave to descend into Egypt and have not asked for a word from my mouth, to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh and to place their hope in the shadow of Egypt. 3 But the strength of Pharaoh shall become your shame, and the hope in the shadow of Egypt your confusion. 4 When his princes shall be in Zoan, and his ambassadors have come to Hanes, 5 all shall be ashamed of the people that shall not profit them, nor be a help, nor bring them increase, but a shame, and also a reproach.
6 The burden of the beasts of the south: into the land of trouble and anguish, from whence come the young and old lion, the viper and fiery flying serpent; they will carry their riches upon the shoulders of young asses and their treasures upon the bunches of camels, to a people that shall not profit them. 7 For the Egyptians shall help in vain and to no purpose; therefore I have cried out concerning this that your strength should be to sit still.