What other scriptures caution against relying on foreign alliances for security? Jeremiah 2:18—A Heart Check on Where We Look for Help “ And now what have you to gain by your road to Egypt, to drink the waters of the Nile? And what have you gained by taking the road to Assyria, to drink the waters of the Euphrates? ” The Lord confronts Judah’s impulse to lean on powerful neighbors instead of leaning on Him. That same impulse shows up again and again in Scripture, and God answers it every time with a clear warning: foreign alliances cannot save; He alone is security. Prophetic Warnings That Echo Jeremiah “Woe to the rebellious children… who form an alliance, but against My will… to seek shelter under Pharaoh’s protection… But Pharaoh’s protection will become your shame.” “Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help… but do not look to the Holy One of Israel… the Egyptians are men and not God; their horses are flesh and not spirit.” “Ephraim is like a silly dove, without sense; they call to Egypt, they go to Assyria.” “They have gone up to Assyria… Ephraim has hired lovers. Though they hire allies among the nations, I will gather them together.” “They make a covenant with Assyria, and oil is carried to Egypt.” Historical Snapshots Showing the Cost • 2 Chronicles 16:7-9—King Asa hires Aram’s army. Hanani says, “Because you relied on the king of Aram and not on the LORD your God, the army of the king of Aram has escaped from your hand… The eyes of the LORD roam… to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are fully devoted to Him.” • 2 Chronicles 20:35-37—Jehoshaphat partners with wicked Ahaziah. The prophet declares, “Because you have made an alliance with Ahaziah, the LORD has destroyed your works.” The fleet never sails. • 2 Kings 18:21—Assyria taunts Judah: “You are trusting in Egypt, that splintered reed of a staff, which pierces the hand of anyone who leans on it.” Even the enemy knows Egypt is no refuge. Wisdom Literature on Trust and Security “It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man… than to trust in princes.” “Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” “A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory is of the LORD.” The future king must not “send the people back to Egypt to acquire many horses,” a reminder that military buildup sourced from former oppressors is forbidden. Threads That Tie the Passages Together • Alliances formed without seeking God invite discipline, not deliverance. • Human power—armies, chariots, political deals—is fragile; God’s power is unfailing. • Trust is relational. Turning to Egypt or Assyria isn’t just a political misstep; it is spiritual adultery. • The Lord continually extends an alternative: “Return to Me, and I will be your shield.” Living the Lesson Scripture’s consistent refrain is clear: no matter how impressive the ally, how enticing the deal, or how urgent the threat, the safest place for God’s people is wholehearted reliance on Him. |
    |