Isaiah 30:7 kjv
For the Egyptians shall help in vain, and to no purpose: therefore have I cried concerning this, Their strength is to sit still.
Isaiah 30:7 nkjv
For the Egyptians shall help in vain and to no purpose. Therefore I have called her Rahab-Hem-Shebeth.
Isaiah 30:7 niv
to Egypt, whose help is utterly useless. Therefore I call her Rahab the Do-Nothing.
Isaiah 30:7 esv
Egypt's help is worthless and empty; therefore I have called her "Rahab who sits still."
Isaiah 30:7 nlt
Egypt's promises are worthless!
Therefore, I call her Rahab ?
the Harmless Dragon.
Isaiah 30 7 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Isaiah 30:1 | "Woe to the rebellious children," declares the LORD, ... | Dependence on Egypt |
| Isaiah 29:7-8 | And the multitude of all the nations that fight against... | Judgment on oppressors |
| Isaiah 31:1 | Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help,... | Condemnation of Egypt alliance |
| Jeremiah 2:18 | And now what have you to do with the way to Egypt, ... | Warning against Egypt alliance |
| Jeremiah 37:7 | Pharaoh's army had come out of Egypt,... | Failure of Egyptian help |
| Hosea 7:11 | Ephraim is like a foolish dove without sense—... | Folly of foreign reliance |
| Psalm 146:3-5 | Put not your trust in princes,... | Trust in God alone |
| Psalm 20:7 | Some trust in chariots, and some in horses,... | True source of salvation |
| 2 Kings 17:4 | When a king of Egypt to them,... | Israel's failed alliance |
| 2 Chronicles 28:16-21 | In time past also ye did send unto... | Judah's alliance with Assyria |
| Matthew 6:24 | "No one can serve two masters;... | Exclusive devotion to God |
| Acts 4:12 | "And in no other is there salvation,... | Jesus as the only savior |
| Romans 9:16 | So then it is not of him who wills or of him who runs,... | God's sovereign grace |
| 1 Corinthians 1:27 | But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame... | God's strength in weakness |
| Jeremiah 46:17 | Say to them, 'Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of... | Prophecy against Egypt |
| Ezekiel 29:2-3 | "Son of man, set your face against Pharaoh king of... | Prophecy against Egypt |
| Ezekiel 29:6 | Then all the inhabitants of Egypt shall know that... | Egypt's impending judgment |
| Psalm 75:7 | But God is the judge! He puts down one and lifts up... | God's sovereign rule |
| Proverbs 3:5-6 | Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not... | Trusting God in all ways |
| Joshua 1:9 | Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous;... | Courage in God's presence |
Isaiah 30 verses
Isaiah 30 7 Meaning
The verse declares the futility of seeking help from Egypt, described as "Rahab who sits still." This imagery emphasizes Egypt's inaction and eventual downfall. Their help is "vain and to no purpose," a message of severe warning to Judah against relying on foreign alliances instead of divine deliverance.
Isaiah 30 7 Context
This verse is part of Isaiah's prophecy against Judah, specifically addressing their misguided reliance on Egypt for military aid against the Assyrian threat. Chapters 28-33 of Isaiah contain a series of "woes" and prophecies directed at Judah's leadership and their diplomatic entanglements. Historically, Judah was a smaller kingdom caught between major empires like Assyria and Egypt. The prophet Isaiah consistently warned his people against forming political alliances, advocating instead for faith and trust in God's sovereign power for deliverance. The prophet denounces the diplomatic overtures to Egypt, a nation known for its unreliable military strength and its symbolic representation as a mighty but ultimately impotent creature ("Rahab").
Isaiah 30 7 Word Analysis
For - A preposition indicating the object or purpose of an action. Here, it signifies reliance or seeking aid from Egypt.
to me - The LORD speaking, emphasizing His perspective on Judah's actions.
it - Refers to the help or reliance sought from Egypt.
is - The verb 'to be,' affirming the nature of Egypt's help.
Rahab - (Hebrew: רָהַב, rahav). This term often symbolizes Egypt, referring to a mythical sea monster representing chaos and powerful but ultimately subdued forces. In Job 9:13 and 26:12, it's associated with pride and the ancient enemy subdued by God's power. Its use here personifies Egypt as a boastful and self-reliant entity, prone to failure.
who - A relative pronoun introducing a clause describing Rahab/Egypt.
sits - (Hebrew: יָשַׁב, yashev). Implies stillness, inaction, or being inactive. It paints a picture of Egypt as inert and ineffective in providing real assistance.
still - Emphasizes the ongoing state of inaction. It suggests a lack of movement or progress in offering succor.
Words-group analysis:
- "Rahab who sits still" - This phrase masterfully uses a powerful Hebrew word ("Rahab") that evokes pride and a powerful, ancient foe of God. By juxtaposing it with "sits still," Isaiah powerfully depicts Egypt not as a savior, but as an inactive, proud, and ultimately defeated entity, incapable of providing genuine help. It’s a critique of both Egypt's nature and Judah's misplaced trust in it.
Isaiah 30 7 Bonus Section
The name "Rahab" itself carries significant theological weight throughout the Old Testament. It appears as a primeval sea monster or dragon associated with chaos, defeated by God at creation (Psalm 104:26, Job 26:12). Its repeated use in relation to Egypt highlights God's sovereignty over all nations and powers, even the most formidable earthly ones. By likening Egypt to this defeated primordial beast, Isaiah emphasizes that no earthly power, however great, can rival or replace dependence on the Creator God. Furthermore, this verse serves as a constant reminder for believers throughout history that true security and hope are found exclusively in God's strength, not in human alliances or political maneuvering. This principle resonates deeply in the New Testament where reliance is placed on Christ's finished work for salvation.
Isaiah 30 7 Commentary
Isaiah directly condemns Judah's policy of seeking military assistance from Egypt. He identifies Egypt with "Rahab," a symbol of arrogant and prideful power that has been subdued by the LORD. This Egypt, therefore, is not a reliable ally but a proud nation that "sits still," meaning it is inactive and ineffective in times of need. Their proposed help is exposed as useless and deceitful. The prophet reiterates that the true help and salvation come only from the LORD. Judah's misplaced trust is seen as rebellion against God, leading only to shame and destruction. The consequence of this reliance is a profound "nothingness," utter failure, and the exposure of their folly.