The king received a report that Tirhakah, the Cushite king of Egypt, was coming to attack him. When the king of Assyria heard this, he sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying,
I am here, and with me are the children the Lord has given me. We are signs and proofs for the people of Israel from the Lord All-Powerful, who lives on Mount Zion.
Lift them onto your shoulders with the people watching, and carry them out in the dark. Cover your face so you cannot see the ground, because I have made you a sign to the people of Israel.”
An enemy will attack Egypt, and Cush will tremble with fear. When the killing begins in Egypt, her wealth will be taken away, and her foundations will be torn down.
“ ‘This is what the Lord says: Those who fight on Egypt’s side will fall. The power she is proud of will be lost. The people in Egypt will fall dead in war from Migdol in the north to Aswan in the south, says the Lord God.
Then get yourself an iron plate and set it up like an iron wall between you and the city. Turn your face toward the city as if to attack it and then attack. This is a sign to Israel.
“ ‘Listen, Joshua, the high priest, and your friends who are sitting in front of you. They are symbols of what will happen. I am going to bring my servant called the Branch.