With northern Israel invaded by the Assyrians, King Hezekiah of Jerusalem seeks an alliance with Egypt in order to be rescued from the Assyrian threat. This action is condemned in this chapter.

The people of Jerusalem are going down this path without consulting the Lord (v1-2). The warning is that going along this way, instead of seeking the Lord’s help, will lead to shame and humiliation (v3). Hezekiah’s officials may go down to Egypt (v4) and he may send great treasures south to Egypt through the Negev (v6), in the end Egypt’s help will not profit and be worthless (v5, 7).

The people of God have decided what path they will go and they do not want any seer or prophet directing them in a different path (v8-11). God will not take this lightly and calls this out clearly as iniquity (v12-14).

The lesson of this chapter is so relevant for each of us today. In life in general, and in days of crisis in particular, what are you going to follow, your wisdom or the Word of God? Where is your faith?