New Living Translation
Isaiah • Chapter 31
1
What sorrow awaits those who look to Egypt for help,<br>trusting their horses, chariots, and charioteers<br>and depending on the strength of human armies<br>instead of looking to the LORD,<br>the Holy One of Israel.<br>
2
In his wisdom, the LORD will send great disaster;<br>he will not change his mind.<br>He will rise against the wicked<br>and against their helpers.<br>
3
For these Egyptians are mere humans, not God (Elohim)!<br>Their horses are puny flesh, not mighty spirits!<br>When the LORD raises his fist against them,<br>those who help will stumble,<br>and those being helped will fall.<br>They will all fall down and die together.<br>
4
But this is what the LORD has told me: “When a strong young lion<br>stands growling over a sheep it has killed,<br>it is not frightened by the shouts and noise<br>of a whole crowd of shepherds.<br>In the same way, the LORD of Heaven’s Armies<br>will come down and fight on Mount Zion.<br>
5
The LORD of Heaven’s Armies will hover over Jerusalem<br>and protect it like a bird protecting its nest.<br>He will defend and save the city;<br>he will pass over it and rescue it.”<br>
6
Though you are such wicked rebels, my people, come and return to the LORD.
7
I know the glorious day will come when each of you will throw away the gold idols and silver images your sinful hands have made.
8
“The Assyrians will be destroyed,<br>but not by the swords of men.<br>The sword of God (Elohim) will strike them,<br>and they will panic and flee.<br>The strong young Assyrians<br>will be taken away as captives.<br>
9
Even the strongest will quake with terror,<br>and princes will flee when they see your battle flags,”<br>says the LORD, whose fire burns in Zion,<br>whose flame blazes from Jerusalem.<br>