Woe to the rebellious children, saith the Lord, . . .
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!
Therefore shall the strength of Pharaoh be your shame, and the trust in the shadow of Egypt your confusion.
For the Egyptians shall help in vain, and to no purpose: therefore have I cried concerning this, Their strength is to sit still.

This passage from the book of Isaiah captures the prophet's admonition to the people of Judah, who are warned against relying on Egypt for help against the Assyrians. Isaiah critiques their decision, highlighting it as a rebellion against divine guidance. He emphasizes that such reliance on Egypt—symbolized by Pharaoh and its shadow—will only bring disgrace and confusion. The phrase "Their strength is to sit still" suggests that the true power for Judah lies in trusting in God's wisdom rather than seeking human alliances. Isaiah's message insists on a spiritual strength that comes from faith and patience, rather than the futile pursuit of external aid. This teaches the value of divine trust over political strategy, reflecting a central theme of prophetic literature: faith in the unseen over reliance on earthly power.