# General Information:

Yahweh is speaking about Israel.

# Will they not return to the land of Egypt?

This question means that the nation of Israel will once again be slaves as they were in Egypt. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

# Will Assyria not rule over them because they refuse to return to me?

The nation of Israel will be captives of Assyria as a result of their refusal to remain faithful to Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

# The sword will fall on their cities

Here "sword" represents the enemies of Israel who will destroy Israel's cities. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

# destroy the bars of their gates

Gates offered security to city inhabitants from their enemies, and the bars secured the closed gates. To destroy the bars meant to take away the people's security. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

# Though they call to the Most High

Here God is speaking about himself in the third person. It can be stated in first person. AT: "Though they call to me, the Most High" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

# no one will help them

Yahweh will not allow anyone to help Israel because they turned away from him.

# translationWords

* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/names/egypt]]
* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/names/assyria]]
* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/ruler]]
* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/gate]]
* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/peopleofgod]]
* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/turn]]