21
Look, you now trust in Egypt, the stalk of this splintered reed, which if a man leans on it will go into his palm and pierce it.[a] This is how Pharaoh king of Egypt is to all who trust in him.
19
Then the Rabshakeh said to them, "Tell Hezekiah this is what the great king, the king of Assyria, says: 'What are you relying on?
20
You think mere words are strategy and strength for war. What are you now relying on so that you have rebelled against me?
21
Look, you now trust in Egypt, the stalk of this splintered reed, which if a man leans on it will go into his palm and pierce it. This is how Pharaoh king of Egypt is to all who trust in him.
22
Suppose you say to me: We trust in the Lord our God. Isn't He the One whose high places and altars Hezekiah has removed, saying to Judah and to Jerusalem: You must worship at this altar in Jerusalem?'
23
"So now make a bargain with my master the king of Assyria. I'll give you 2,000 horses if you're able to supply riders for them!