CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>2 Kings 18:21 Look now, you are trusting in Egypt, that splintered reed of a staff that will pierce the hand of anyone who leans on it. Such is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust in him.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_kings/18-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/12_2Ki_18_21.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Kings 18:21 - Sennacherib Threatens Jerusalem" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Look now, you are trusting in Egypt, that splintered reed of a staff that will pierce the hand of anyone who leans on it. Such is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust in him." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/2_kings/18-21.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/2_kings/18-21.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/2_kings/">2 Kings</a> > <a href="/2_kings/18.htm">Chapter 18</a> > Verse 21</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/2_kings/18-20.htm" title="2 Kings 18:20">◄</a> 2 Kings 18:21 <a href="/2_kings/18-22.htm" title="2 Kings 18:22">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/2_kings/18.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/2_kings/18.htm">New International Version</a> Look, I know you are depending on Egypt, that splintered reed of a staff, which pierces the hand of anyone who leans on it! Such is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who depend on him. <a href="/nlt/2_kings/18.htm">New Living Translation</a> On Egypt? If you lean on Egypt, it will be like a reed that splinters beneath your weight and pierces your hand. Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, is completely unreliable! <a href="/esv/2_kings/18.htm">English Standard Version</a> Behold, you are trusting now in Egypt, that broken reed of a staff, which will pierce the hand of any man who leans on it. Such is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust in him. <a href="/bsb/2_kings/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Look now, you are trusting in Egypt, that splintered reed of a staff that will pierce the hand of anyone who leans on it. Such is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust in him. <a href="/kjv/2_kings/18.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/2_kings/18.htm">New King James Version</a> Now look! You are trusting in the staff of this broken reed, Egypt, on which if a man leans, it will go into his hand and pierce it. So is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust in him. <a href="/nasb_/2_kings/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now behold, you have relied on the support of this broken reed, on Egypt; on which if a man leans, it will go into his hand and pierce it. That is how Pharaoh king of Egypt is to all who rely on him. <a href="/nasb/2_kings/18.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Now behold, you rely on the staff of this crushed reed, even on Egypt; on which if a man leans, it will go into his hand and pierce it. So is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who rely on him. <a href="/nasb77/2_kings/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “Now behold, you rely on the staff of this crushed reed, even on Egypt; on which if a man leans, it will go into his hand and pierce it. So is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who rely on him. <a href="/lsb/2_kings/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now behold, you trust in the staff of this crushed reed, even on Egypt; on which if a man leans, it will go into his hand and pierce it. So is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust in him. <a href="/amp/2_kings/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Now pay attention: you are relying on Egypt, on that staff of crushed reed; if a man leans on it, it will only go into his hand and pierce it. So is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust and rely on him. <a href="/csb/2_kings/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Now look, you are relying on Egypt, that splintered reed of a staff that will pierce the hand of anyone who grabs it and leans on it. This is what Pharaoh king of Egypt is to all who rely on him. <a href="/hcsb/2_kings/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Look, you are now trusting in Egypt, that splintered reed of a staff that will enter and pierce the hand of anyone who leans on it. This is how Pharaoh king of Egypt is to all who trust in him. <a href="/asv/2_kings/18.htm">American Standard Version</a> Now, behold, thou trustest upon the staff of this bruised reed, even upon Egypt; whereon 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. <a href="/cev/2_kings/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Is he depending on Egypt and its king? That's the same as leaning on a broken stick, and it will go right through his hand. <a href="/erv/2_kings/18.htm">English Revised Version</a> Now, behold, thou trustest upon the staff of this bruised reed, even upon Egypt; whereon 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. <a href="/gwt/2_kings/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Now, look! When you trust Egypt, you're trusting a broken stick for a staff. If you lean on it, it stabs your hand and goes through it. This is what Pharaoh (the king of Egypt) is like for everyone who trusts him. <a href="/gnt/2_kings/18.htm">Good News Translation</a> You are expecting Egypt to help you, but that would be like using a reed as a walking stick--it would break and jab your hand. That is what the king of Egypt is like when anyone relies on him." <a href="/isv/2_kings/18.htm">International Standard Version</a> Look, you're trusting on Egypt to lean on like a staff, but it's a crushed reed, and if you lean on it, it will collapse and pierce your hand. Pharaoh, king of Egypt, is just like that to everyone who relies on him! <a href="/msb/2_kings/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Look now, you are trusting in Egypt, that splintered reed of a staff that will pierce the hand of anyone who leans on it. Such is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust in him. <a href="/net/2_kings/18.htm">NET Bible</a> Now look, you must be trusting in Egypt, that splintered reed staff. If a man leans for support on it, it punctures his hand and wounds him. That is what Pharaoh king of Egypt does to all who trust in him. <a href="/nheb/2_kings/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Now, look, you trust in the staff of this bruised reed, even in Egypt. If a man leans on it, it will go into his hand, and pierce it. So is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust on him. <a href="/wbt/2_kings/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Now behold, thou trustest upon the staff of this bruised reed, even upon Egypt, on which if a man leaneth, it will go into his hand, and pierce it: so is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all that trust on him. <a href="/web/2_kings/18.htm">World English Bible</a> Now, behold, you trust in the staff of this bruised reed, even in Egypt. If a man leans on it, it will go into his hand and pierce it. So is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust on him. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_kings/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Now behold, you have trusted for yourself on the staff of this broken reed, on Egypt; which a man leans on, and it has gone into his hand and pierced it! So [is] Pharaoh king of Egypt to all those trusting on him. <a href="/ylt/2_kings/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Now, lo, thou hast trusted for thee on the staff of this broken reed, on Egypt; which a man leaneth on, and it hath gone into his hand, and pierced it! -- so is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all those trusting on him. <a href="/slt/2_kings/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Now behold, thou trustedst to thyself, upon the stay of this broken reed, upon Egypt, which a man shall lean upon it and it will go into his hand and bore it; thus Pharaoh king of Egypt to all trusting upon him.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_kings/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Dost thou trust in Egypt a staff of a broken reed, upon which if a man lean, it will break and go into his hand, and pierce it? so is Pharao king of Egypt, to all that trust in him. <a href="/cpdv/2_kings/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Do you hope in Egypt, that staff of a broken reed, which, if a man would lean upon it, breaking, it would pierce his hand? Such is Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, to all who would trust in him. <a href="/nabre/2_kings/18.htm">New American Bible</a> Do you trust in Egypt, that broken reed of a staff, which pierces the hand of anyone who leans on it? That is what Pharaoh, king of Egypt, is to all who trust in him. <a href="/nrsvce/2_kings/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> See, you are relying now on Egypt, that broken reed of a staff, which will pierce the hand of anyone who leans on it. Such is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who rely on him.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_kings/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Now, behold, you have trusted upon the staff of the broken reed, even on Egypt, on which if a man leans, it will go into his hand and pierce it; so is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust in him. <a href="/hpbt/2_kings/18.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> Behold, you have trusted on a support of a broken reed, on an Egyptian, upon which a man having leaned, it went into his hand and pierced him. So is Pharaoh, King of Egypt, to all whoever trust upon him.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/2_kings/18.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Now, behold, thou trustest upon the staff of this bruised reed, even upon Egypt; whereon 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. <a href="/sep/2_kings/18.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> See now, art thou trusting for thyself on this broken staff of reed, even upon Egypt? whosoever shall stay himself upon it, it shall even go into his hand, and pierce it: so is Pharao king of Egypt to all that trust on him. <a href="/parallel/2_kings/18-21.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FiLs3w_mMFQ?start=6397" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/2_kings/18.htm">Sennacherib Threatens Jerusalem</a> …20You claim to have a strategy and strength for war, but these are empty words. In whom are you now trusting, that you have rebelled against me? 21<a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: hin·nêh (Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!">Look</a> <a href="/hebrew/6258.htm" title="6258: ‘at·tāh (Adv) -- Now. From eth; at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive.">now,</a> <a href="/hebrew/982.htm" title="982: ḇā·ṭaḥ·tā (V-Qal-Perf-2ms) -- To trust. A primitive root; properly, to hie for refuge; figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure.">you are trusting</a> <a href="/hebrew/lə·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4714.htm" title="4714: miṣ·ra·yim (N-proper-fs) -- A son of Ham, also his desc. and their country in N.W. Africa. Dual of matsowr; Mitsrajim, i.e. Upper and Lower Egypt.">in Egypt,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7533.htm" title="7533: hā·rā·ṣūṣ (Art:: V-Qal-QalPassPrtcpl-ms) -- To crush. A primitive root; to crack in pieces, literally or figuratively.">that splintered</a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: haz·zeh (Art:: Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7070.htm" title="7070: haq·qā·neh (Art:: N-ms) -- A stalk, reed. From qanah; a reed; by resemblance a rod, shaft, tube, stem, the radius, beam.">reed</a> <a href="/hebrew/4938.htm" title="4938: miš·‘e·neṯ (N-fsc) -- Support, sustenance, a walking-stick. Or mishteneth; feminine of mish'en; support, i.e. sustenance or a walking-stick.">of a staff</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ā·lāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications."></a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: ū·ḇā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5344.htm" title="5344: ū·nə·qā·ḇāh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms:: 3fs) -- To puncture. A primitive root; to puncture, literally or figuratively.">that will pierce</a> <a href="/hebrew/3709.htm" title="3709: ḇə·ḵap·pōw (Prep-b:: N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Hollow or flat of the hand, palm, sole (of the foot), a pan. From kaphaph; the hollow hand or palm; figuratively, power.">the hand</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">of anyone</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">who</a> <a href="/hebrew/5564.htm" title="5564: yis·sā·mêḵ (V-Nifal-Imperf-3ms) -- To lean, lay, rest, support. A primitive root; to prop; reflexively, to lean upon or take hold of.">leans on it.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3651.htm" title="3651: kên (Adv) -- So, thus. From kuwn; properly, set upright; hence just; but usually rightly or so.">Such is</a> <a href="/hebrew/6547.htm" title="6547: par·‘ōh (N-proper-ms) -- A title of Eg. kings. Of Egyptian derivation; Paroh, a general title of Egyptian kings.">Pharaoh</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: me·leḵ- (N-msc) -- King. From malak; a king.">king</a> <a href="/hebrew/4714.htm" title="4714: miṣ·ra·yim (N-proper-fs) -- A son of Ham, also his desc. and their country in N.W. Africa. Dual of matsowr; Mitsrajim, i.e. Upper and Lower Egypt.">of Egypt</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: lə·ḵāl (Prep-l:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">to all</a> <a href="/hebrew/982.htm" title="982: hab·bō·ṭə·ḥîm (Art:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To trust. A primitive root; properly, to hie for refuge; figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure.">who trust</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ā·lāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">in him.</a> 22But if you say to me, ‘We trust in the LORD our God,’ is He not the One whose high places and altars Hezekiah has removed, saying to Judah and Jerusalem: ‘You must worship before this altar in Jerusalem’?…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/isaiah/36-6.htm">Isaiah 36:6</a> Look now, you are trusting in Egypt, that splintered reed of a staff that will pierce the hand of anyone who leans on it. Such is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust in him. <a href="/isaiah/30-1.htm">Isaiah 30:1-5</a> “Woe to the rebellious children,” declares the LORD, “to those who carry out a plan that is not Mine, who form an alliance, but against My will, heaping up sin upon sin. / They set out to go down to Egypt without asking My advice, to seek shelter under Pharaoh’s protection and take refuge in Egypt’s shade. / But Pharaoh’s protection will become your shame, and the refuge of Egypt’s shade your disgrace. ... <a href="/ezekiel/29-6.htm">Ezekiel 29:6-7</a> Then all the people of Egypt will know that I am the LORD. For you were only a staff of reeds to the house of Israel. / When Israel took hold of you with their hands, you splintered, tearing all their shoulders; when they leaned on you, you broke, and their backs were wrenched. <a href="/jeremiah/46-25.htm">Jeremiah 46:25-26</a> The LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: “Behold, I am about to punish Amon god of Thebes, along with Pharaoh, Egypt with her gods and kings, and those who trust in Pharaoh. / I will deliver them into the hands of those who seek their lives—of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and his officers. But after this, Egypt will be inhabited as in days of old, declares the LORD. <a href="/hosea/7-11.htm">Hosea 7:11</a> So Ephraim has become like a silly, senseless dove—calling out to Egypt, then turning to Assyria. <a href="/isaiah/31-1.htm">Isaiah 31:1-3</a> Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in their abundance of chariots and in their multitude of horsemen. They do not look to the Holy One of Israel; they do not seek the LORD. / Yet He too is wise and brings disaster; He does not call back His words. He will rise up against the house of the wicked and against the allies of evildoers. / But the Egyptians are men, not God; their horses are flesh, not spirit. When the LORD stretches out His hand, the helper will stumble, and the one he helps will fall; both will perish together. <a href="/jeremiah/2-18.htm">Jeremiah 2:18</a> Now what will you gain on your way to Egypt to drink the waters of the Nile? What will you gain on your way to Assyria to drink the waters of the Euphrates? <a href="/isaiah/20-5.htm">Isaiah 20:5-6</a> Those who made Cush their hope and Egypt their boast will be dismayed and ashamed. / And on that day the dwellers of this coastland will say, ‘See what has happened to our source of hope, those to whom we fled for help and deliverance from the king of Assyria! How then can we escape?’” <a href="/jeremiah/37-5.htm">Jeremiah 37:5-10</a> Pharaoh’s army had left Egypt, and when the Chaldeans who were besieging Jerusalem heard the report, they withdrew from Jerusalem. / Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet: / “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says that you are to tell the king of Judah, who sent you to Me: Behold, Pharaoh’s army, which has marched out to help you, will go back to its own land of Egypt. ... <a href="/ezekiel/17-15.htm">Ezekiel 17:15-17</a> But this king rebelled against Babylon by sending his envoys to Egypt to ask for horses and a large army. Will he flourish? Will the one who does such things escape? Can he break a covenant and yet escape?’ / ‘As surely as I live,’ declares the Lord GOD, ‘he will die in Babylon, in the land of the king who enthroned him, whose oath he despised and whose covenant he broke. / Pharaoh with his mighty army and vast horde will not help him in battle, when ramps are built and siege walls constructed to destroy many lives. <a href="/isaiah/19-11.htm">Isaiah 19:11-15</a> The princes of Zoan are mere fools; Pharaoh’s wise counselors give senseless advice. How can you say to Pharaoh, “I am one of the wise, a son of eastern kings”? / Where are your wise men now? Let them tell you and reveal what the LORD of Hosts has planned against Egypt. / The princes of Zoan have become fools; the princes of Memphis are deceived. The cornerstones of her tribes have led Egypt astray. ... <a href="/acts/7-39.htm">Acts 7:39</a> But our fathers refused to obey him. Instead, they rejected him and in their hearts turned back to Egypt. <a href="/acts/13-10.htm">Acts 13:10</a> and said, “O child of the devil and enemy of all righteousness, you are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery! Will you never stop perverting the straight ways of the Lord? <a href="/matthew/23-28.htm">Matthew 23:28</a> In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness. <a href="/romans/9-31.htm">Romans 9:31-32</a> but Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness, has not attained it. / Why not? Because their pursuit was not by faith, but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone,</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Now, behold, you trust on the staff of this bruised reed, even on Egypt, on which if a man lean, it will go into his hand, and pierce it: so is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all that trust on him.trustest.<a href="/isaiah/36-6.htm">Isaiah 36:6</a> Lo, thou trustest in the staff of this broken reed, on Egypt; whereon if a man lean, it will go into his hand, and pierce it: so is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all that trust in him.<a href="/ezekiel/29-6.htm">Ezekiel 29:6,7</a> And all the inhabitants of Egypt shall know that I am the LORD, because they have been a staff of reed to the house of Israel… upon Egypt.<a href="/isaiah/30-2.htm">Isaiah 30:2,7</a> 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! … <a href="/isaiah/31-1.htm">Isaiah 31:1-3</a> Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD! … so is Pharaoh.<a href="/2_kings/17-4.htm">2 Kings 17:4</a> And the king of Assyria found conspiracy in Hoshea: for he had sent messengers to So king of Egypt, and brought no present to the king of Assyria, as he had done year by year: therefore the king of Assyria shut him up, and bound him in prison.<a href="/jeremiah/46-17.htm">Jeremiah 46:17</a> They did cry there, Pharaoh king of Egypt is but a noise; he hath passed the time appointed.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/habakkuk/2-12.htm">Basing</a> <a href="/2_kings/17-21.htm">Broken</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-19.htm">Bruised</a> <a href="/2_kings/13-22.htm">Crushed</a> <a href="/romans/9-16.htm">Depend</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-20.htm">Depending</a> <a href="/2_kings/17-36.htm">Egypt</a> <a href="/2_kings/17-39.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-4.htm">Lean</a> <a href="/2_kings/17-7.htm">Pharaoh</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-4.htm">Pierce</a> <a href="/hebrews/4-12.htm">Pierces</a> <a href="/1_kings/14-15.htm">Reed</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-20.htm">Rely</a> <a href="/acts/14-3.htm">Relying</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-21.htm">Rod</a> <a href="/joel/1-7.htm">Splintered</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-31.htm">Staff</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-20.htm">Trust</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-19.htm">Trustest</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-6.htm">Whereon</a> <a href="/2_kings/9-15.htm">Wounds</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_chronicles/32-10.htm">Basing</a> <a href="/2_kings/19-25.htm">Broken</a> <a href="/job/5-4.htm">Bruised</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/23-29.htm">Crushed</a> <a href="/2_kings/19-10.htm">Depend</a> <a href="/isaiah/36-5.htm">Depending</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-24.htm">Egypt</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-29.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/job/8-15.htm">Lean</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-29.htm">Pharaoh</a> <a href="/job/20-24.htm">Pierce</a> <a href="/job/16-13.htm">Pierces</a> <a href="/job/8-11.htm">Reed</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-24.htm">Rely</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/32-10.htm">Relying</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/20-5.htm">Rod</a> <a href="/isaiah/36-6.htm">Splintered</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/11-23.htm">Staff</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-22.htm">Trust</a> <a href="/2_kings/19-10.htm">Trustest</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/4-19.htm">Whereon</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/22-6.htm">Wounds</a><div class="vheading2">2 Kings 18</div>1. <a href="/2_kings/18-1.htm">Hezekiah's good reign</a> 4. <a href="/2_kings/18-4.htm">He destroys idolatry, and prospers</a> 9. <a href="/2_kings/18-9.htm">The inhabitants of Samaria are carried captive for their sins</a> 13. <a href="/2_kings/18-13.htm">Sennacherib invading Judah, is pacified by a tribute</a> 17. <a href="/2_kings/18-17.htm">Rabshakeh, by blasphemous persuasions, solicits the people to revolt</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_kings/18.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_kings/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_kings/18.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Look now, you are trusting in Egypt This phrase addresses the misplaced trust of Judah in Egypt for military support against Assyria. Historically, Egypt was a powerful nation, but its influence waned during this period. The Bible often portrays Egypt as a symbol of worldly reliance, contrasting with trust in God (<a href="/isaiah/31.htm">Isaiah 31:1</a>). This serves as a warning against seeking security in human alliances rather than divine protection.that splintered reed of a staff The imagery of a "splintered reed" suggests fragility and unreliability. Reeds were common in Egypt, often used metaphorically in Scripture to denote weakness (<a href="/isaiah/36-6.htm">Isaiah 36:6</a>). This phrase emphasizes Egypt's inability to provide stable support, highlighting the futility of relying on earthly powers instead of God.that will pierce the hand of anyone who leans on it This vivid metaphor illustrates the danger of relying on Egypt. Instead of providing support, Egypt would cause harm, much like a broken reed injuring the hand. This reflects the broader biblical theme of the consequences of misplaced trust (<a href="/jeremiah/17-5.htm">Jeremiah 17:5-6</a>), urging reliance on God alone.Such is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust in him Pharaoh represents the epitome of earthly power and authority, yet he is depicted as unreliable. This statement underscores the consistent biblical narrative that human leaders, regardless of their might, cannot offer true security (<a href="/psalms/146-3.htm">Psalm 146:3</a>). It serves as a reminder of the ultimate sovereignty of God over all nations and rulers.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/h/hezekiah.htm">Hezekiah</a> The King of Judah during this time, known for his faithfulness to God and his efforts to rid Judah of idolatry. 2. <a href="/topical/s/sennacherib.htm">Sennacherib</a> The King of Assyria, who threatened Judah and attempted to undermine Hezekiah's trust in God. 3. <a href="/topical/e/egypt.htm">Egypt</a> A powerful nation to the south of Judah, often seen as a potential ally against Assyrian aggression. 4. <a href="/topical/p/pharaoh.htm">Pharaoh</a> The ruler of Egypt, representing the political and military power that Judah was tempted to rely on instead of God. 5. <a href="/topical/r/rabshakeh.htm">Rabshakeh</a> The Assyrian official who delivered the message to Hezekiah, challenging Judah's reliance on Egypt.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_misplaced_trust.htm">The Danger of Misplaced Trust</a> Trusting in worldly powers, like Egypt, can lead to disappointment and harm. Our ultimate trust should be in God, who is steadfast and reliable. <a href="/topical/t/the_illusion_of_security.htm">The Illusion of Security</a> Earthly alliances and resources may seem secure, but they are often unstable and can fail us. True security is found in God alone. <a href="/topical/f/faith_in_adversity.htm">Faith in Adversity</a> In times of crisis, like Hezekiah faced with Assyria, our faith is tested. We must choose to rely on God rather than seeking quick fixes from unreliable sources. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_over_nations.htm">God's Sovereignty Over Nations</a> The events in <a href="/bsb/2_kings/18.htm">2 Kings 18</a> remind us that God is sovereign over all nations and their leaders. He can use even the threats of powerful empires to accomplish His purposes. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_prophetic_warning.htm">The Role of Prophetic Warning</a> Prophets like Isaiah warned against alliances with Egypt, showing the importance of heeding God's word and guidance in decision-making.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_kings_18.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 18</a> <a href="/q/why_does_egypt's_influence_persist.htm">Isaiah 31:3 mentions Egypt’s mortal nature—why then does archaeological evidence show Egyptian influence persisting long after this prophecy implied vulnerability? </a> <a href="/q/does_ezekiel_29_6-7_match_egypt's_history.htm">How does Ezekiel 29:6–7 align with or contradict known historical alliances and events regarding Egypt and its neighbors? </a> <a href="/q/does_joshua_1_4_exaggerate_israel's_borders.htm">Joshua 1:4 - Does the text exaggerate Israel's borders, given the lack of historical records showing Israel ever controlled all the land from the Euphrates to the Mediterranean?</a> <a href="/q/why_defy_pharaoh_to_save_a_hebrew_child.htm">Exodus 2:5-6 - Why would Pharaoh's daughter openly defy her father's edict by saving and raising a Hebrew child?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_kings/18.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(21) The staff of this bruised reed.--Cracked or flawed would be better than bruised; because, as is clear from the following words, the idea is that of a reed splitting and piercing the hand that rests upon it. (Comp. <a href="/isaiah/42-3.htm" title="A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment to truth.">Isaiah 42:3</a>.) As to the Judaean expectations from Egypt, comp. <a href="/context/isaiah/20-1.htm" title="In the year that Tartan came to Ashdod, (when Sargon the king of Assyria sent him,) and fought against Ashdod, and took it;">Isaiah 20:1-5</a>; <a href="/context/isaiah/30-1.htm" title="Woe to the rebellious children, said the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin:">Isaiah 30:1-8</a>; <a href="/context/isaiah/31-1.htm" title="Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not to the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!">Isaiah 31:1-4</a>, passages in which such expectations are denounced as implying want of faith in Jehovah.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_kings/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 21. - Now, behold, thou trustest upon the staff of this bruised reed, even upon Egypt. Sennacherib had good information. Hezekiah's embassy to Egypt (<a href="/isaiah/30-2.htm">Isaiah 30:2-7</a>) was known to him; and he rightly judged that Hezekiah was expecting aid from this quarter. This expectation he ridicules. What is Egypt but a "bruised reed"? The Nile bulrush (רצץ) has a goodly show; it rears itself aloft, and leeks strong and stately; but use it as a staff, lean upon it, and it snaps at once. Such is Pharaoh - nay, he is worse; he is a bruised reed, which can give no support at all, even for a moment. The Assyrian monarch was justified in his contempt. Egypt had never yet given any effectual support to the states attacked by Assyria Shebek gave no manner of aid to Hoshea, but allowed Samaria to be conquered in B.C. 722 without making the slightest effort on her behalf. In B.C. 720 he came to the aid of Gaza ('Eponym Canon,' p. 126), but Gaza was captured notwithstanding. In B.C. 711 either he or Sabatok undertook the protection of Ashdod, but with the same lack of success (ibid., pp. 130, 131). "Kings of Egypt" assisted the Ascalonites against Sennacherib himself in B.C. 701, and were again completely defeated (ibid., pp. 133, 134). Sargon calls the King of Egypt, whoso aid was invited by the Ashdedites (ibid., p. 130, line 37), "a monarch who could not save them." On which if a man lean, it will go into his hand, and pierce it; i.e. trust in Egypt will not only bring a country no advantage, but it will bring positive injury. The sharp siliceous casing of a reed might run into the hand and give an ugly wound. So is Pharaoh King of Egypt unto all that trust on him. Sargon in one place (ibid., p. 130, line 36) speaks of a King of Egypt under the title of "Pharaoh." <a href="/commentaries/2_kings/18-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Look הִנֵּ֣ה (hin·nêh) Interjection <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2009.htm">Strong's 2009: </a> Lo! behold! now, עַתָּ֡ה (‘at·tāh) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6258.htm">Strong's 6258: </a> At this time you are trusting בָטַ֣חְתָּ (ḇā·ṭaḥ·tā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_982.htm">Strong's 982: </a> To trust, be confident, sure in עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against Egypt, מִצְרַ֔יִם (miṣ·ra·yim) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4714.htm">Strong's 4714: </a> Egypt -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their country in Northwest Africa that splintered הָרָצ֤וּץ (hā·rā·ṣūṣ) Article | Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7533.htm">Strong's 7533: </a> To crack in pieces reed הַקָּנֶ֨ה (haq·qā·neh) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7070.htm">Strong's 7070: </a> A reed, a, rod, shaft, tube, stem, the radius, beam of a staff מִשְׁעֶנֶת֩ (miš·‘e·neṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4938.htm">Strong's 4938: </a> Support, sustenance, a walking-stick that will pierce וּנְקָבָ֑הּ (ū·nə·qā·ḇāh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5344.htm">Strong's 5344: </a> To puncture the hand בְכַפּ֖וֹ (ḇə·ḵap·pōw) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3709.htm">Strong's 3709: </a> Hollow or flat of the hand, palm, sole (of the foot), a pan of anyone אִישׁ֙ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person who אֲשֶׁ֨ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that leans יִסָּמֵ֥ךְ (yis·sā·mêḵ) Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5564.htm">Strong's 5564: </a> To prop, to lean upon, take hold of on it. עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against Such is כֵּ֚ן (kên) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3651.htm">Strong's 3651: </a> So -- thus Pharaoh פַּרְעֹ֣ה (par·‘ōh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6547.htm">Strong's 6547: </a> Pharaoh -- a title of Egypt kings king מֶֽלֶךְ־ (me·leḵ-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king of Egypt מִצְרַ֔יִם (miṣ·ra·yim) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4714.htm">Strong's 4714: </a> Egypt -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their country in Northwest Africa to all לְכָֽל־ (lə·ḵāl) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every who trust הַבֹּטְחִ֖ים (hab·bō·ṭə·ḥîm) Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_982.htm">Strong's 982: </a> To trust, be confident, sure in him. עָלָ֔יו (‘ā·lāw) Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_kings/18-21.htm">2 Kings 18:21 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_kings/18-21.htm">2 Kings 18:21 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_kings/18-21.htm">2 Kings 18:21 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_kings/18-21.htm">2 Kings 18:21 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_kings/18-21.htm">2 Kings 18:21 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_kings/18-21.htm">2 Kings 18:21 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_kings/18-21.htm">2 Kings 18:21 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_kings/18-21.htm">2 Kings 18:21 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_kings/18-21.htm">2 Kings 18:21 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_kings/18-21.htm">2 Kings 18:21 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-21.htm">OT History: 2 Kings 18:21 Now behold you trust on the staff (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_kings/18-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Kings 18:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Kings 18:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_kings/18-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Kings 18:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Kings 18:22" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>