Woe to those who drag wickedness
with cords of deceit
and pull sin along with cart ropes,

Indeed, the stars of the sky and its constellations
will not give their light.
The sun will be dark when it rises,
and the moon will not shine.

Give us counsel and make a decision.
Shelter us at noonday
with shade that is as dark as night.
Hide the refugees;
do not betray the one who flees.

In the streets they cry for wine.
All joy grows dark;
earth’s rejoicing goes into exile.

The king had heard this about Tirhakah king of Cush: “He has set out to fight against you.” So when he heard this, he sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying,