1Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help; and rely on horses, or trust in many chariots, and in the strength of horsemen, because they are very strong; but fail to look to the Holy One of Israel, nor seek help from the LORD! 2Yet He also is wise, and in His wisdom, will bring disaster, and will not take back His words; but will rise against the wicked nation, and those that aid evildoers. 3The Egyptians are mere men, and certainly not God; and their horses are flesh, and not spirit. When the LORD stretches out His hand, both the helper and the helped shall fall and perish together.

4For this is what the LORD says to me, “As a lion growls, or the young lion roars over his kill, though a whole band of shepherds come against him, he will not be frightened by their shouts, nor be deterred by their noise, so shall the LORD Almighty come down to fight for Mount Zion, and its heights. 5Like birds hovering overhead, so will the LORD Almighty protect Jerusalem; not only defending it, but He will also pass over and rescue it.” 6Return to Him, you Israelites who have utterly revolted against Him. 7For in that day every one of you shall forsake and discard your idols of silver, and gold, which your own hands have foolishly made. 8Then shall the Assyrian fall by the sword, but not the sword of man. No, not of men, the sword of God shall destroy them; they shall try to flee from that sword, and their young men shall be taken captive. 9“And even the bravest Assyrian shall abandon their stronghold in terror, and their leaders shall be tremble at the sight of your battle standard (flag),” says the LORD, Whose fire is in Zion, and His furnace in Jerusalem.