Isaiah 30:14

And he shall break it as the breaking of the potters' vessel that is broken in pieces; he shall not spare: so that there shall not be found in the bursting of it a sherd to take fire from the hearth, or to take water [withal] out of the pit.

And he shall break {H7665} it as the breaking {H7667} of the potters {H3335}' vessel {H5035} that is broken in pieces {H3807}; he shall not spare {H2550}: so that there shall not be found {H4672} in the bursting {H4386} of it a sherd {H2789} to take {H2846} fire {H784} from the hearth {H3344}, or to take {H2834} water {H4325} withal out of the pit {H1360}.

He will break it like a clay pot, ruthlessly shattering it into pieces so tiny not even a potsherd remains for taking fire from the fireplace or scooping water from the cistern.

It will break in pieces like a potter’s jar, shattered so that no fragment can be found. Not a shard will be found in the dust large enough to scoop the coals from a hearth or to skim the water from a cistern.”

And he shall break it as a potter’s vessel is broken, breaking it in pieces without sparing; so that there shall not be found among the pieces thereof a sherd wherewith to take fire from the hearth, or to dip up water out of the cistern.

Commentary on Isaiah 30:14 (KJV)

Isaiah 30:14 delivers a powerful and stark image of divine judgment, illustrating the complete and irreversible destruction that awaits those who reject God's counsel and rely on their own strength or foreign alliances instead of Him.

Context

This verse is part of a larger prophecy in Isaiah, primarily addressed to the kingdom of Judah. In chapter 30, the prophet Isaiah condemns Judah's decision to seek military aid from Egypt against the encroaching Assyrian empire, rather than trusting in the Lord for deliverance. The people had become "rebellious children" (Isaiah 30:1), rejecting God's prophetic warnings and seeking human solutions. Verses 12-13 describe their sin as a bulging wall, destined to collapse suddenly. Verse 14 then describes the devastating aftermath of that collapse.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Judgment: The primary theme is God's unwavering judgment against rebellion and disobedience. His judgment is not arbitrary but a direct consequence of Judah's persistent refusal to listen to His word and trust in Him.
  • Irreversible Destruction: The metaphor of the "potters' vessel that is broken in pieces" vividly portrays a complete and utter ruin. Unlike some materials that can be repaired or repurposed, a shattered clay pot is entirely useless. This signifies that the judgment will be so thorough that no part of what is broken can be salvaged or serve any function, no matter how minor (like scooping water or carrying embers). This imagery is also used in Jeremiah 19:11 to denote irreversible destruction.
  • Folly of Self-Reliance: The verse underscores the futility and danger of trusting in human power, alliances, or wisdom over God's divine guidance. Judah's reliance on Egypt, despite God's clear warnings, led them to this dire consequence. This echoes the sentiment found in Psalm 20:7, which contrasts trust in chariots and horses with trust in the name of the Lord.
  • God's Sovereignty: While depicting severe judgment, the verse also subtly affirms God's absolute control and sovereignty over the fate of nations and individuals. He is the one who "shall break it," demonstrating His power to bring about His will. The concept of God as the ultimate Potter, shaping and breaking nations, is a recurring motif in scripture (e.g., Jeremiah 18:6).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "potters' vessel" (Hebrew: כְּמַפֵּל נֵבֶל יוֹצְרִים, k'mappel nevel yotserim) is a powerful simile. A "nevel" (נֵבֶל) often refers to a clay jar or bottle, and its breaking implies complete shattering. The word "sherd" (חֶרֶס, cheres) refers to a broken piece of pottery, emphasizing its worthlessness once the vessel is destroyed. The imagery suggests that nothing of value or utility will remain from the object of God's judgment.

Practical Application

Isaiah 30:14 serves as a timeless warning for all generations. It challenges us to examine where our ultimate trust lies. Do we rely on our own resources, human institutions, or worldly solutions in times of crisis, or do we genuinely place our faith in God's wisdom and provision? The verse reminds us that rebellion against God's clear word and a persistent refusal to repent can lead to consequences that are severe and irreversible. It calls believers to a posture of humility, obedience, and complete dependence on the Lord, understanding that His ways are always ultimately for our good, and His judgment, though severe, is always just.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 2:9

    Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.

  • Jeremiah 19:10

    ¶ Then shalt thou break the bottle in the sight of the men that go with thee,

  • Jeremiah 19:11

    And shalt say unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Even so will I break this people and this city, as [one] breaketh a potter's vessel, that cannot be made whole again: and they shall bury [them] in Tophet, till [there be] no place to bury.

  • Revelation 2:27

    And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.

  • Romans 11:21

    For if God spared not the natural branches, [take heed] lest he also spare not thee.

  • 2 Peter 2:4

    For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast [them] down to hell, and delivered [them] into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;

  • 2 Peter 2:5

    And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth [person], a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;

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