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.
2
For 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.
3
But by trusting Pharaoh, you will be humiliated,
and by depending on him, you will be disgraced.
4
For though his power extends to Zoan
and his officials have arrived in Hanes,
5
all who trust in him will be ashamed.
He will not help you.
Instead, he will disgrace you.”
6
This 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.
7
Egypt’s promises are worthless!
Therefore, I call her Rahab -
the Harmless Dragon. 1