¹⁹ One of the Assyrian officials told them that the emperor wanted to know what made King Hezekiah so confident. ²⁰ He demanded, “Do you think that words can take the place of military skill and might? Who do you think will help you rebel against Assyria? ²¹ 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.”