Isaiah 31:1-5

1How horrible it will be for those who go to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who depend on many chariots, who depend on very strong war horses. They don’t look to the Holy One of Israel. They don’t seek the Lord.

2He is wise and can bring about disaster. He doesn’t take back his words. He rises against wicked people and against those who help troublemakers.

3The Egyptians are humans, not gods. Their horses are flesh and blood, not spirit. When the Lord uses his powerful hand, the one who gives help will stumble, and the one who receives help will fall. Both will die together.

4This is what the Lord said to me: A lion, even a young lion, growls over its prey when a crowd of shepherds is called to fight it. It isn’t frightened by their voices or disturbed by the noise they make. So the Lord of Armies will come to fight for Mount Zion and its hill.

5The Lord of Armies will defend Jerusalem like a hovering bird. He will defend it and rescue it. He will pass over it and protect it.