“Then they shall be afraid and ashamed of Ethiopia their expectation and Egypt their glory."

God humbles the pride of nations to teach His people a lesson. Israel depends upon Egypt and Ethiopia, so Assyria strips them to the buttocks [vs4]! We depend upon sex, money, and power, so they don't satisfy. We look to human instruments, so they fail us.

Hear the warning, if we trust ANYTHING but God's word by the power of God's Spirit through Jesus' blood, then it will fail us! We cannot run from God and prosper. We can't be independent on Him. God's grace in Christ is the only hope!

Bless God, this hope is sure. We can be powerless, and He'll help us… wicked, and He'll cleanse us… ignorant, and He'll show us the way. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him [James 1:5].” Just wait on Him and look to Him for all supply.

He'll fulfill the new covenant and bless His people. He calls us from polluted fountains of sin and self-service to the flowing streams of glorifying Christ and trusting Him. He calls us to something better than human praise, self-confidence, and pride.

Be free, children of God. Know that He takes away to give. He humbles to exalt. He disturbs to heal. “For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem; you shall weep no more. He will be very gracious to you at the sound of your cry; when He hears it, He will answer you [Isa 30:19].”