You are expecting Egypt to help you, but that would be like using a reed as a walking stick---it would break and would jab your hand. That is what the king of Egypt is like when anyone relies on him."

Then all the people of Egypt will know that I am the LORD." The LORD says, "The Israelites relied on you Egyptians for support, but you were no better than a weak stick.

When they leaned on you, you broke, pierced their armpits, and made them wrench their backs.

They go to Egypt for help without asking for my advice. They want Egypt to protect them, so they put their trust in Egypt's king.

The help that Egypt gives is useless. So I have nicknamed Egypt, 'The Harmless Dragon.' "

Those who go to Egypt for help are doomed! They are relying on Egypt's vast military strength---horses, chariots, and soldiers. But they do not rely on the LORD, the holy God of Israel, or ask him for help.

The Egyptians are not gods---they are only human. Their horses are not supernatural. When the LORD acts, the strong nation will crumble, and the weak nation it helped will fall. Both of them will be destroyed.

But one year Hoshea sent messengers to So, king of Egypt, asking for his help, and stopped paying the annual tribute to Assyria. When Shalmaneser learned of this, he had Hoshea arrested and put in prison.

"Give the king of Egypt a new name--- 'Noisy Braggart Who Missed His Chance.'