Isaiah 30 5

Isaiah 30:5 kjv

They were all ashamed of a people that could not profit them, nor be an help nor profit, but a shame, and also a reproach.

Isaiah 30:5 nkjv

They were all ashamed of a people who could not benefit them, Or be help or benefit, But a shame and also a reproach."

Isaiah 30:5 niv

everyone will be put to shame because of a people useless to them, who bring neither help nor advantage, but only shame and disgrace."

Isaiah 30:5 esv

everyone comes to shame through a people that cannot profit them, that brings neither help nor profit, but shame and disgrace."

Isaiah 30:5 nlt

all who trust in him will be ashamed.
He will not help you.
Instead, he will disgrace you."

Isaiah 30 verses

Isaiah 30 5 Meaning

This verse describes God's prior knowledge and His communication of His plans. Even before they happened, God revealed future events to His prophets. This divine foresight and communication were for the ultimate purpose of bringing shame upon those who sought help from earthly powers instead of trusting in Him. It underscores the futility of human alliances when contrasted with God's sovereign plan and power.

Isaiah 30 5 Context

Isaiah 30:1-5 is part of a broader prophecy delivered during a time when Judah was contemplating an alliance with Egypt against the Assyrian Empire. This section specifically warns against relying on Egypt for military support. God, through Isaiah, rebukes the people for their unfaithfulness and their seeking of help from a "nation that cannot benefit them." The preceding verses (30:1-3) speak of Ephraim (representing the Northern Kingdom and often used symbolically for all Israel) putting their trust in Assyria and fleeing. Chapter 30:5 directly addresses Judah's inclination towards Egypt.

Isaiah 30 5 Word Analysis

• "yea,": A strong affirmation, emphasizing the following statement.
• "through": Indicates the instrument or channel by which something is accomplished. Here, Egypt is the chosen but ultimately failed channel.
• "the": Definite article, specifying "strength of Egypt" and "refuge in the shadow of Egypt."
• "strength": Refers to power, might, and ability. It highlights what Judah believed Egypt offered.
• "of Egypt": The specific nation being relied upon. Egypt was a significant power, but unreliable for Judah in this context.
• "is": Present tense verb, stating the condition or fact.
• "your shame": The resulting state of disgrace, embarrassment, and confusion due to failed reliance.
• "and": Connective word, linking shame with confusion.
• "confusion": A state of disorder, humiliation, and disappointment.
• "is": Again, stating the fact.
• "to you": Direct address to the people of Judah.
• "for a": Indicates the cause or reason for the shame and confusion.
• "refuge": A place or state of safety or security; a hiding place.
• "in the": Specifies the location or means of refuge.
• "shadow": Suggests protection or shelter, but here it implies an inadequate or deceptive cover.
• "of Egypt": Reiteration of the entity offering this supposed shelter.

Group Analysis:

• "yea, through the strength of Egypt shall ye be ashamed, and confounded by the": This phrase signifies that Judah's reliance on Egypt’s military might would lead directly to their humiliation and the frustration of their hopes.
• "refuge in the shadow of Egypt": This idiom powerfully conveys the illusory and ineffective nature of the protection Judah sought. The "shadow" implies something present but offering no real substance or protection, much like a fleeting shadow that cannot shield one from the sun.

Isaiah 30 5 Bonus Section

This verse emphasizes God's foreknowledge, not merely predicting events but revealing them. This divine communication was a testament to His faithfulness to His prophets and His ongoing relationship with His people, even in their rebellion. The reference to "shadow of Egypt" evokes imagery of inadequate and false protection, a stark contrast to the secure refuge found in God as described in Psalm 91. The lesson here extends to any attempt to find ultimate security outside of a true relationship with God, whether through political alliances, financial wealth, or human strength. It points to the prophetic fulfillment that would eventually be seen in Judah's dealings with Egypt and the greater empires of the ancient Near East.

Isaiah 30 5 Commentary

The verse is a sharp critique of Judah's misplaced trust. Instead of leaning on the Lord, who had already established a covenant relationship with them, they sought security in Egypt. This was a recurring issue in Judah's history, as they oscillated between alliances with dominant world powers, forgetting God's promise of protection and provision. Egypt, though a formidable ancient empire, could not offer true security, nor did God intend for His people to seek it there. Their hope in Egypt would ultimately lead to disgrace because God's divine plan involved Assyria's eventual dominance over the region, making Judah's reliance on Egypt a critical strategic and spiritual error. The verse highlights that true security and refuge are found only in God.