Isaiah warns those who rely on Egypt's horses and chariots instead of the Holy One of Israel. The Egyptians are men and not God. The LORD will defend Jerusalem like a lion over its prey and like birds hovering.
1 Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help ; and stay on horses , and trust in chariots , because they are many ; and in horsemen , because they are very strong ; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel , neither seek the LORD !
2 Yet he also is wise , and will bring evil , and will not call back his words : but will arise against the house of the evildoers , and against the help of them that work iniquity .
3 Now the Egyptians are men , and not God ; and their horses flesh , and not spirit . When the LORD shall stretch out his hand , both he that helpeth shall fall , and he that is holpen shall fall down , and they all shall fail together .
4 For thus hath the LORD spoken unto me, Like as the lion and the young lion roaring on his prey , when a multitude of shepherds is called forth against him, he will not be afraid of their voice , nor abase himself for the noise of them: so shall the LORD of hosts come down to fight for mount Zion , and for the hill thereof.
5 As birds flying , so will the LORD of hosts defend Jerusalem ; defending also he will deliver it; and passing over he will preserve it.
6 Turn ye unto him from whom the children of Israel have deeply revolted .
7 For in that day every man shall cast away his idols of silver , and his idols of gold , which your own hands have made unto you for a sin .
8 Then shall the Assyrian fall with the sword , not of a mighty man ; and the sword , not of a mean man , shall devour him: but he shall flee from the sword , and his young men shall be discomfited .
9 And he shall pass over to his strong hold for fear , and his princes shall be afraid of the ensign , saith the LORD , whose fire is in Zion , and his furnace in Jerusalem .