2 Kings 18:20

Modern

You 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?

Traditional

Thou sayest, (but they are but vain words,) I have counsel and strength for the war. Now on whom dost thou trust, that thou rebellest against me?

Literal

You say: But a word of the lips, counsel and strength for war. And on whom do you trust, that you rebel against me?

Latin

…forsitan inisti consilium, ut præpares te ad prælium. In quo confidis, ut audeas rebellare?

Hebrew

English

You 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?

In the past, people used the term great king for leaders of major military powers. It later became a common title for Assyrian kings.
What is the basis of this confidence of yours?: The Assyrian officer claimed that Jerusalem's citizens would be unwise to trust Hezekiah's words, given Assyria's strong military. Seeking help from Egypt would also be unwise. The chief of staff argued that trusting in the Lord was also a mistake. The officer might have hoped to win over citizens who had worshiped at the shrines and altars Hezekiah had destroyed.

Theme notes and profiles

Proverbs 21:30–31
There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD.