But he hath revolted from him and sent ambassadors to Egypt, that it might give him horses and much people. And shall he that hath done thus prosper or be saved? And shall he escape that hath broken the covenant?
And how wilt thou stand against the face of the judge of one place, of the least of my master's servants? But if thou trust in Egypt, in chariots and in horsemen:
Lo, thou trustest upon this broken staff of a reed, upon Egypt: upon which if a man lean, it will go into his hand and pierce it. So is Pharao king or Egypt to all that trust in him.
Egypt is man, and not God: and their horses, flesh, and not spirit. And the Lord shall put down his hand, and the helper shall fall, and he that is helped shall fall, and they shall all be confounded together.
WOE to them that go down to Egypt for help, trusting in horses, and putting their confidence in chariots because they are many, and in horsemen because they are very strong: and have not trusted in the Holy One of Israel, and have not sought after the Lord.
Dost thou trust in Egypt, a staff of a broken reed, upon which if a man lean, it will break and go into his hand, and pierce it? So is Pharao king of Egypt, to all that trust in him.
And when he is made king, he shall not multiply horses to himself, nor lead back the people into Egypt, being lifted up with the number of his horsemen: especially since the Lord hath commanded you to return no more the same way.
Now therefore come over to my master the king of the Assyrians: and I will give you two thousand horses, and see whether you be able to have riders for them.
And the messengers returning brought him word. And he sent again and said: Such and such things may the gods do to me, and more may they add, if the dust of Samaria shall suffice for handfuls for all the people that follow me.
WOE to you, apostate children, saith the Lord, that you would take counsel, and not of me: and would begin a web, and not by my spirit, that you might add sin upon sin.