Now what do you gain by going to Egypt, to drink the waters of the Shihor? Or why do you go on the way to Assyria, to drink the waters of the River?
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 18. Troubled. Hebrew shichor, or Nile water, (Joshua 13:3) which was thought as good as wine, and grew better for keeping. Strabo xvii.—Hence the people adored it. Vitruv. viii.—God often reproached the Jews for distrusting in his protection, and seeking aid from the Egyptians, who deceived them. We know not that Josias did so. Calmet.—He even opposed them, and lost his life in defending the country. 4 Kennicott. 23:29. Bible.—He was probably obliged to pay tribute to the Assyrians, whom Achaz had called in. 2 Chronicles 28:23. These alliances the Lord condemned.
that is, the Euphrates River