Woe to…!: See the comments on 28.1.

Those who go down to Egypt for help refers to the people of Judah who go to Egypt for help (see the comments on 30.2). They seek the following things from Egypt: horses, chariots, and horsemen.

And rely on horses: As in 30.16, the people trust in the war-horses of Egypt.

Who trust in chariots because they are many: They also trust in the chariots of Egypt since there are so many of them. Egypt was famous for its chariots. For chariots see the comments on 2.7 even though a different Hebrew word is used there.

And in horsemen because they are very strong is parallel to the previous line. The people of Judah also trust in the powerful horsemen of Egypt. The verb trust in the previous line is implied here. Some languages may need to repeat it for clarity (see the first example below). The Hebrew word rendered horsemen can refer to chariot drivers. The Hebrew word for strong can also convey the idea of a large number, so it is almost synonymous with the word for many. Revised English Bible and New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh suggest “vast numbers” as the better rendering. Good News Translation combines this line with the previous two as follows “They are relying on Egypt’s vast military strength—horses, chariots, and soldiers.”

But do not look to the Holy One of Israel or consult the LORD: The conjunction but introduces the contrast in this verse: King Hezekiah and the people of Judah prefer to trust in the military might of the Egyptian army, rather than in Yahweh. The Hebrew verb rendered look to refers to trust and dependence here, as in 17.7, where it is rendered “regard.” Good News Translation says “rely on.” For the Holy One of Israel, see the comments on 1.4.

Consult is parallel to look to. The Hebrew verb for consult is often translated “seek,” as in 9.13 and 11.10 (see the comments there). Revised English Bible has “seek guidance,” which is very appropriate here since the next verse says Yahweh “is wise.”

For the translation of this verse consider the following examples:

• Alas for those who go [down] to Egypt for help,
who rely on its horses,
who trust in its chariots because there are many of them,
and [trust] in its chariot drivers because they are so numerous.
But these people do not depend on the Holy One of Israel
or seek guidance from Yahweh.

• Woe to those who appeal to Egypt for help,
who put their faith in its horses,
trusting its many chariots,
and its chariot drivers who are so powerful.
Woe to those who do not put their trust in Israel’s Holy One
or seek advice from Yahweh.

Quoted with permission from Ogden, Graham S. and Sterk, Jan. A Handbook on Isaiah. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2011. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .