14. “Israel is not a slave, is he?He was not born into slavery, was he?If not, why then is he being carried off?
15. Like lions his enemies roar victoriously over him;they raise their voices in triumph.They have laid his land waste;his cities have been burned down and deserted.
16. Even the soldiers from Memphis and Tahpanheshave cracked your skulls, people of Israel.
17. You have brought all this on yourself, Israel,by deserting the Lord your God when he was leading you along the right path.
18. What good will it do you then to go down to Egyptto seek help from the Egyptians?What good will it do you to go over to Assyriato seek help from the Assyrians?