Woe to them that (a) go down to Egypt for help; and rely on horses, and trust in chariots, because [they are] many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not to the Holy One of Israel, neither (b) seek the LORD!
(a) There were two special reasons why the Israelites should not join with the Egyptians: first, because the Lord had commanded them never to return there, (Deuteronomy 17:16; Deuteronomy 28:68) lest they should forget the benefit of their redemption: and secondly, lest they should be corrupted with the superstition and idolatry of the Egyptians, and so forsake God, (Jeremiah 2:18).
(b) Meaning, that they forsake the Lord, if they put their trust in worldly things: for they cannot trust in both.