It may be easier to keep the direct quotation here and in the next verse in contrast with verse 19 (so Good News Translation).

Do you think that mere words are strategy and power for war? is literally “You say only a word of lips a plan and strength for war.” This rhetorical question is frequently translated by a more direct affirmation in modern versions. New International Version, for example, says “You say you have strategy and military strength—but you speak only empty words.” Another possibility is “You say you have battle plans and power for war, but your words mean nothing” (New Century Version). It is not clear whether mere words refer to diplomatic relations with Egypt or to reliance on the mere words of a prophet.

On whom do you now rely, that you have rebelled against me?: Once again the theme of reliance or confidence is stressed. But the question in this case is not rhetorical. The word order in Hebrew, which is literally “Now on whom do you rely…,” gives more emphasis to the adverb now than is reflected in Revised Standard Version. New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh attempts to express this emphasis by use of the word “look” as follows: “Look, on whom are you relying, that you have rebelled against me?” Compare also New Living Translation: “Which of your allies will give you any military backing against Assyria?”

The structure of this verse may be altered so that the fact of rebellion is mentioned first rather than at the end of the verse. A possible model is:

• You have the nerve to rebel against me, the king of Assyria. But you cannot defeat us with mere words. It will take the skill and power of a strong army. Who is it that you are expecting to come to your aid?

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Kings, Volume 2. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2008. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .