[2] That walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at my mouth; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt!

[3] Therefore shall the strength of Pharaoh be your shame, and the trust in the shadow of Egypt your confusion.

[4] For his princes were at Zoan, and his ambassadors came to Hanes.

[5] They were all ashamed of a people that could not profit them, nor be an help nor profit, but a shame, and also a reproach.

[6] The burden of the beasts of the south: into the land of trouble and anguish, from whence come the young and old lion, the viper and fiery flying serpent, they will carry their riches upon the shoulders of young asses, and their treasures upon the bunches of camels, to a people that shall not profit them.

[7] For the Egyptians shall help in vain, and to no purpose: therefore have I cried concerning this, Their strength is to sit still.

Israel was seeking an alliance (treaty) with Egypt to assist them in the battle against Assyria. They have been warned against doing this on many other occasions, and counseled that they should seek God’s assistance instead.

Israel is called “rebellious children” who are taking counsel from others (in this case, Egypt), rather than from the Lord. They are seeking protection (a covering) from another nation, instead of from the Lord’s spirit. This is seen as them piling one sin upon another.

This alliance will not work out. Trusting in Pharaoh will be to their shame, and trusting in the shadow of Egypt will just cause confusion.

It will turn out that Egypt will be of no help to Israel. Verse 5 says the Egypt will not help them but will be a shame and a reproach. Verse 6 describes Israel bringing riches into Egypt to enlist their assistance, but it won’t profit them. Verse 7 describes the Egyptians as not even doing anything to assist — their strength is to sit still. Even the King of Assyria warned Israel not to rely upon Egypt to assist them (see 2 Kings 18:19-21).

“And Rabshakeh (Assyrian military leader) said unto them (the Israelites), Speak ye now to Hezekiah (Israelite king), Thus saith the great king, the king of Assyria, What confidence is this wherein thou trustest? Thou sayest, (but they are but vain words,) I have counsel and strength for the war. Now on whom dost thou trust, that thou rebellest against me? Now, behold, thou trustest upon the staff of this bruised reed, even upon Egypt, on which if a man lean, it will go into his hand, and pierce it: so is Pharaoh king of Egypt unto all that trust on him.” (2 Kings 18:19-21)