History repeats itself in a tragic cycle when a nation chooses to rely on political alliances instead of trusting the God who originally saved them. Seeking military support from foreign powers ultimately leads to a complete loss of independence and crushing oppression.
The Israelites' decision to look toward Egypt for assistance is met with deep criticism. The primary approach among commentators views this as a baffling choice. The people had no reason to seek aid from Egypt, considering God had already liberated them from Egyptian slavery and explicitly commanded them never to go back down that path. However, another perspective sees this as a practical political warning directly from God [מלבי״ם]. He advised them against rebelling by sending requests for Egyptian military aid, warning that such a move would only provoke the Assyrian empire and result in a much heavier burden of oppression.
Consequently, they find themselves under the harsh control of Assyria. Most commentators explain this subjection as the unavoidable result of their own wrongdoing. Assyria became their ruler against their will, forcing them to surrender and pay heavy taxes. Because this domination was a divine punishment, they should have accepted it rather than attempting to break their agreements by reaching out to Egypt [מלבי״ם]. In contrast, other scholars interpret their relationship with Assyria through a mocking question: Can this foreign power, upon which they now depend, truly act as a legitimate and caring king who will fight for them and protect them, much like King David did? [מצודת דוד, אברבנאל].
The root of this entire political and spiritual disaster lies in their stubborn refusal to change their ways. Commentators agree that the people simply refused to repent and remain loyal to God. Had they returned to Him, they would never have needed to beg Egypt for help, nor would they have been enslaved by foreign empires. Instead, they would have maintained their independence and even ruled over other nations, just as they did during the prosperous eras of David and Solomon [רד״ק]. Ultimately, it was their persistent refusal to turn back to God that cost them their freedom and forced them to submit to foreign rule.