Woe to Those Who Rely on Egypt

¹⁶ The king, moreover, must not acquire great numbers of horses^(A) for himself^(B) or make the people return to Egypt^(C) to get more of them,^(D) for the Lord has told you, “You are not to go back that way again.”^{(E) 17} He must not take many wives,^(F) or his heart will be led astray.^(G) He must not accumulate^(H) large amounts of silver and gold.^(I)

¹⁰ “In that day,” declares the Lord,

¹¹ “The merchants^(A) of the earth will weep and mourn^(B) over her because no one buys their cargoes anymore^(C)— ¹² cargoes of gold, silver, precious stones and pearls; fine linen, purple, silk and scarlet cloth; every sort of citron wood, and articles of every kind made of ivory, costly wood, bronze, iron and marble;^{(D) 13} cargoes of cinnamon and spice, of incense, myrrh and frankincense, of wine and olive oil, of fine flour and wheat; cattle and sheep; horses and carriages; and human beings sold as slaves.^(E)

¹⁴ “They will say, ‘The fruit you longed for is gone from you. All your luxury and splendor have vanished, never to be recovered.’ ¹⁵ The merchants who sold these things and gained their wealth from her^(F) will stand far off,^(G) terrified at her torment. They will weep and mourn^{(H) 16} and cry out:

“Every sea captain, and all who travel by ship, the sailors, and all who earn their living from the sea,^(M) will stand far off.^(N)

Warning to Rich Oppressors

5 Now listen,^(A) you rich people,^(B) weep and wail^(C) because of the misery that is coming on you. ² Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes.^{(D) 3} Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days.^(E)