“Tell Hezekiah, king of Judah,^[a] ‘This is what the mighty king, the king of Assyria, has to say: What is this “guarantee” that makes you yourself^[b] rely on it?^{[c] 5} Do you really think that guarantees alone can withstand^[d] strategy and military strength? On whom are you now depending, that you’re rebelling against me? ⁶ Take note: you’re relying on Egypt, that splintered reed of a staff, which pierces the palm of anyone who leans on it. This is what Pharaoh king of Egypt is like to everybody who depends on him!