Isaiah 28:20

KJV

For the bed is shorter than that [a man] can stretch himself [on it]: and the covering narrower than that he can wrap himself [in it].

KJV (with Strong's)

For the bed {H4702} is shorter {H7114} than that a man can stretch {H8311} himself on it: and the covering {H4541} narrower {H6887} than that he can wrap {H3664} himself in it.

Complete Jewish Bible

For, [as the saying goes,] "The bed is too short for a person to stretch, and the blanket too narrow [to protect him from cold] even if he crams himself in."

Berean Standard Bible

Indeed, the bed is too short to stretch out on, and the blanket too small to wrap around you.

American Standard Version

For the bed is shorter than that a man can stretch himself on it; and the covering narrower than that he can wrap himself in it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 28:20 serves as a powerful and poignant metaphor, illustrating the utter inadequacy and futility of human-devised plans and false securities when pursued apart from God. Directed at the proud and rebellious leaders of Ephraim (the Northern Kingdom of Israel), who sought refuge in human alliances rather than divine trust, the verse vividly portrays a state of profound discomfort and exposure. Their supposed "bed" of security and "covering" of protection are woefully insufficient, leaving them restless, vulnerable, and ultimately unable to find true peace or escape from the impending divine judgment. It underscores that any foundation not laid by God is destined to fail, offering no genuine comfort or lasting refuge.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 28:20 is embedded within a broader prophetic oracle (Isaiah 28:1-29) primarily addressed to the leaders of Ephraim (the Northern Kingdom of Israel), particularly those in Samaria. The preceding verses condemn their spiritual drunkenness, arrogance, and rejection of God's simple, foundational truth. They boast of a "covenant with death and an agreement with hell" (as stated in [Isaiah 28:15](/isaiah/28-15 "Isaiah 28:15 - The Covenant with Death")), believing themselves immune to divine judgment. Verse 20 functions as a stark, metaphorical consequence of this rejection, directly following the warning that "vexation only shall make you understand the report" ([Isaiah 28:19](/isaiah/28-19 "Isaiah 28:19 - Vexation and Terror")). It stands in direct contrast to God's promise in [Isaiah 28:16](/isaiah/28-16 "Isaiah 28:16 - The Sure Foundation in Zion"), where He declares He will lay a "tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation" in Zion, highlighting the difference between human futility and divine provision.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the turbulent 8th century BCE, a period of significant geopolitical upheaval. The Northern Kingdom of Israel (Ephraim), with its capital Samaria, was facing the looming threat of the Assyrian Empire. Instead of trusting in the Lord for deliverance, their leaders sought security through political alliances, notably with Egypt, and by relying on their own strategic wisdom. This era was marked by widespread spiritual apostasy, idolatry, and social injustice, which Isaiah vehemently condemns. The "spiritual drunkenness" mentioned earlier in [Isaiah 28](/isaiah/28 "Isaiah 28 - The Drunkards of Ephraim") refers to their moral decay and clouded judgment, leading them to misinterpret God's will and pursue self-destructive paths. The imagery of a bed and covering would have been universally understood in an agrarian society, making the metaphor of inadequacy immediately relatable to their failed attempts at self-preservation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores the **inadequacy of false security** and human self-reliance. The "bed" and "covering" symbolize the deceptive comfort and protection that human alliances, wealth, or wisdom offer when God is forsaken. Secondly, it highlights the **futility of rebellious plans** against God's sovereign will; any scheme not rooted in divine trust is inherently flawed and will ultimately fail to provide true rest or safety. Thirdly, the imagery conveys the **inevitability and discomfort of divine judgment** for those who reject God's covenant. The restless, exposed state symbolizes the spiritual and physical distress that awaits those who refuse to humble themselves before the Lord. Finally, it serves as a stark **contrast to God's perfect provision and sure foundation**, emphasizing that only in Him can true and lasting rest be found, a theme beautifully articulated in [Isaiah 28:16](/isaiah/28-16 "Isaiah 28:16 - God's Cornerstone").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **shorter (Hebrew, _qâtsar'_):** This root means "to dock off," "curtail," or "shorten." It implies a deficiency or insufficiency, something that is cut off before it reaches its full or necessary length. In the context of a bed, it vividly conveys an inability to provide adequate rest or comfort because it is simply not long enough to accommodate the sleeper. Spiritually, it speaks to the inherent limitation and deficiency of human efforts to provide ultimate security or peace.
* **narrower (Hebrew, _tsârar'_):** This word signifies "to cramp," "constrain," "be in distress," or "shut up." When applied to a covering, it paints a picture of being confined and unable to find ample warmth or protection. It suggests a feeling of being hemmed in, restricted, and perpetually uncomfortable, rather than experiencing the expansive freedom and security that true rest provides. The spiritual implication is one of perpetual anxiety and lack of true refuge.
* **wrap (Hebrew, _kânaç'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to collect" or "to gather," this word here implies the act of gathering oneself or enfolding oneself for comfort and warmth. The inability to "wrap himself" indicates that the covering is so inadequate that it cannot fulfill its basic purpose of providing warmth and security. This highlights the complete failure of the self-devised solutions to offer any genuine comfort or protection from the elements of judgment and distress.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the bed is shorter than that [a man] can stretch himself [on it]:"** This clause introduces the primary metaphor. The "bed" represents the false sense of security, the human alliances, or the self-made provisions upon which the leaders of Ephraim have chosen to rest. The phrase "shorter than that a man can stretch himself on it" vividly illustrates its inadequacy. Just as a physical bed too short prevents a person from finding comfortable rest, so too do their chosen paths fail to provide true peace or stability. It speaks of a perpetual state of discomfort, restlessness, and an inability to fully settle or find repose.
* **"and the covering narrower than that he can wrap himself [in it]."** This second clause reinforces and expands upon the metaphor of inadequacy. The "covering" symbolizes the protection or refuge they believe their schemes offer. The description "narrower than that he can wrap himself in it" emphasizes its utter insufficiency. A covering too narrow leaves one exposed to the cold and discomfort, unable to find warmth or security. Spiritually, it means their chosen defenses and alliances will leave them vulnerable and exposed to the coming judgment, providing no true shelter or comfort.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 28:20 is rich in **Metaphor** and **Imagery**. The entire verse functions as an extended metaphor, using common domestic items—a bed and a covering—to represent abstract spiritual and political realities. The "bed" symbolizes the foundation of security and rest that the unfaithful leaders have chosen, while the "covering" represents the protection or refuge they believe their human alliances and self-devised schemes provide. The **Imagery** of a restless sleeper, unable to find comfort because his bed is too short and his blanket too narrow, is universally relatable and powerfully conveys the futility and discomfort of their situation. There is also an element of **Irony**, as what was intended to provide comfort and security ultimately delivers discomfort and exposure, highlighting the tragic outcome of their misplaced trust.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 28:20 profoundly speaks to the theological truth that true security and rest are found only in God, not in human ingenuity or worldly alliances. It underscores humanity's inherent inability to provide for its ultimate needs apart from divine provision, revealing the futility of self-reliance and the deceptive nature of false comforts. This verse serves as a divine indictment against spiritual arrogance and misplaced trust, demonstrating that God's judgment, when it comes, will expose the hollowness of any foundation not built upon Him. It highlights the stark contrast between God's perfect and sufficient provision (as seen in the "sure foundation" of [Isaiah 28:16](/isaiah/28-16 "Isaiah 28:16 - The Cornerstone of Zion")) and the woefully inadequate nature of anything else.

* [Psalm 127:1-2](/psalms/127-1 "Psalm 127:1-2 - Unless the Lord Builds the House")
* [Proverbs 14:12](/proverbs/14-12 "Proverbs 14:12 - A Way that Seems Right")
* [Jeremiah 17:5-6](/jeremiah/17-5 "Jeremiah 17:5-6 - Cursed is the Man Who Trusts in Man")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The vivid imagery of Isaiah 28:20 resonates deeply with the human experience, offering a timeless warning for all generations. In our contemporary world, the "short bed" and "narrow covering" can manifest in myriad ways: the relentless pursuit of wealth, status, or power, believing these will provide ultimate security; the reliance on human wisdom, scientific advancement, or political ideologies as the sole solutions to life's complex problems; or the turning to temporary pleasures, addictions, or superficial relationships to quell inner restlessness. This verse calls us to critically examine where we truly seek our rest, comfort, and protection. Are we striving to stretch ourselves on a bed that is inherently too short, or trying to wrap ourselves in a covering that is too narrow, leaving us perpetually exposed and unfulfilled? True rest and security are not found in what we can accumulate or contrive, but in surrendering to God's perfect provision and trusting in His sovereign plan. The application is a call to humility, repentance, and a reorientation of our trust from self and world to the unfailing God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "beds" or "coverings" in my life do I rely on for security or comfort, apart from God?**
* **How does the pursuit of worldly success or temporary pleasures often leave me feeling restless or exposed, rather than truly satisfied?**
* **In what areas of my life am I trying to "stretch myself" or "wrap myself" in something inadequate, instead of trusting God's sufficiency?**
* **How can I practically reorient my trust and seek my rest more fully in the Lord this week?**

### FAQ
**What does the "bed" and "covering" symbolize in Isaiah 28:20?**

Answer: In Isaiah 28:20, the "bed" and "covering" symbolize the false securities, human alliances, and self-devised schemes that the rebellious leaders of Ephraim (and by extension, all who reject God) rely upon for comfort and protection. They represent the inadequate and ultimately futile provisions made apart from God's will. The imagery conveys that these human efforts, no matter how well-intended or strategically planned, will prove woefully insufficient to provide true rest, peace, or refuge from divine judgment, leaving those who trust in them exposed and perpetually uncomfortable. This stands in stark contrast to the true and lasting security found in God, as described in [Isaiah 28:16](/isaiah/28-16 "Isaiah 28:16 - God's Sure Foundation").

**How does Isaiah 28:20 relate to the broader message of Isaiah 28?**

Answer: Isaiah 28:20 is a pivotal verse within Isaiah 28, serving as a powerful metaphorical summary of the consequences of the Northern Kingdom's (Ephraim's) spiritual rebellion and misplaced trust. The chapter begins by condemning their "spiritual drunkenness" and arrogance ([Isaiah 28:1-8](/isaiah/28-1 "Isaiah 28:1-8 - Woe to Ephraim")), then highlights their rejection of God's simple, clear instruction ([Isaiah 28:9-13](/isaiah/28-9 "Isaiah 28:9-13 - God's Simple Instruction")). Their boast of a "covenant with death" ([Isaiah 28:15](/isaiah/28-15 "Isaiah 28:15 - The Covenant with Death")) reveals their reliance on human treaties (likely with Egypt) rather than God. Verse 20 directly illustrates the futility of this "covenant," showing that their supposed refuge will offer no comfort. It stands in stark opposition to the "sure foundation" God promises to lay in Zion ([Isaiah 28:16](/isaiah/28-16 "Isaiah 28:16 - The Cornerstone")), emphasizing that only God's provision is sufficient, while all human alternatives are ultimately inadequate and lead to distress.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 28:20, with its poignant imagery of inadequate rest and insufficient covering, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "bed" that is too short and the "covering" that is too narrow perfectly prefigure humanity's desperate need for a perfect rest and an all-sufficient covering that only God can provide. While the leaders of Israel sought security in fleeting human alliances and self-devised schemes, leaving them exposed to judgment, Jesus offers the complete and eternal rest that the human soul longs for. He is the "tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation" ([Isaiah 28:16](/isaiah/28-16 "Isaiah 28:16 - The Cornerstone")) upon whom all true security is built. In Him, we find the perfect "bed" of peace and the ample "covering" of His righteousness. Jesus' invitation, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Jesus Offers Rest")), stands in stark contrast to the restless discomfort described in Isaiah 28:20. Through His atoning sacrifice, He provides the ultimate "covering" for our sins, a righteousness that is never too narrow but fully envelops us ([Romans 3:22](/romans/3-22 "Romans 3:22 - Righteousness Through Faith")). He is our Sabbath rest ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Sabbath Rest")), our perfect refuge, and the only foundation upon which we can truly stretch out and find eternal comfort and security, never to be left exposed or wanting.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Romans 9:30

¶ What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith.

Romans 9:32

Wherefore? Because [they sought it] not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;

Isaiah 64:6

¶ But we are all as an unclean [thing], and all our righteousnesses [are] as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

1 Corinthians 1:18

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

1 Corinthians 1:31

That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

Isaiah 66:3

He that killeth an ox [is as if] he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, [as if] he cut off a dog's neck; he that offereth an oblation, [as if he offered] swine's blood; he that burneth incense, [as if] he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations.

Isaiah 66:6

A voice of noise from the city, a voice from the temple, a voice of the LORD that rendereth recompence to his enemies.