The bold prophet commanded the king not to worry about the two kingdoms to the north, the “smoking firebrands.” If they are smoking, then their fire is out. The political ploy of Israel and Syria against Judah would not be accomplished; it would fail.
“If Ye Will Not Believe surely Ye Shall Not Be Established”
Again, paronomasia is used—a prophetic play on words: “If ye will not believe [im lo taaminu], surely ye shall not be established [lo teamenu
In English the play on words could be “If ye will not understand, ye shall not … stand,” or “If ye have no belief, … ye shall have no relief,” or “No confiding, no abiding.” 49