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.

KJV (with Strong's)

They were all ashamed {H3001} of a people {H5971} that could not profit {H3276} them, nor be an help {H5828} nor profit {H3276}, but a shame {H1322}, and also a reproach {H2781}.

Complete Jewish Bible

they all are disappointed with a people that doesn't help them, who give no assistance and no advantage, only disappointment and disgrace."

Berean Standard Bible

everyone will be put to shame because of a people useless to them. They cannot be of help; they are good for nothing but shame and reproach.”

American Standard Version

They shall all be ashamed because of a people that cannot profit them, that are not a help nor profit, but a shame, and also a reproach.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 30:5 serves as a potent prophetic warning against the futility of relying on human alliances rather than divine provision. It vividly portrays the inevitable shame and disappointment that befall those who seek security and aid from earthly powers, specifically Judah's misguided trust in Egypt, highlighting that such reliance ultimately yields no profit but only disgrace and public humiliation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 30 is part of a larger section (chapters 28-33) where the prophet Isaiah delivers a series of "woes" against Judah for their spiritual rebellion and their reliance on foreign alliances rather than God. Specifically, verses 1-7 condemn Judah's decision to seek help from Egypt against the Assyrian threat. Verse 5 acts as a direct consequence of the actions described in verses 1-4, which depict Judah’s envoys traveling to Egypt, seeking protection from Pharaoh. The preceding verses establish the context of a people "who carry out a plan, but not mine" [Isaiah 30:1](/isaiah/30-1 "Isaiah 30:1 - Woe to Rebellious Children"), emphasizing their willful disobedience. The subsequent verses continue to elaborate on the Lord's judgment and His ultimate promise of restoration for those who truly trust Him.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** During the late 8th century BCE, the Kingdom of Judah, under King Hezekiah, faced immense pressure from the aggressive Neo-Assyrian Empire, which was rapidly expanding its dominion. Assyria had already conquered the Northern Kingdom of Israel in 722 BCE. In desperation, Judah's leaders, against Isaiah's fervent warnings, sought a military and political alliance with Egypt, a once-mighty but now declining power. Such alliances were common in the ancient Near East, where smaller states often became vassals or sought protection from larger empires. However, Isaiah consistently preached a message of exclusive reliance on Yahweh, warning that any alliance not sanctioned by God would prove disastrous. The cultural expectation was that a powerful ally like Egypt would provide military aid and resources, but the prophet reveals this expectation to be a dangerous illusion, leading only to "shame" and "reproach" for Judah's misplaced trust.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Isaiah. Foremost is the **Futility of Human Reliance**, demonstrating that human strength, political maneuvering, or military alliances, when pursued apart from God's will, are ultimately unreliable and lead to disappointment. This directly contrasts with the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Trust**, where Isaiah consistently calls Judah to place their complete faith in the Lord as their sole deliverer, as articulated in passages like [Isaiah 30:15](/isaiah/30-15 "Isaiah 30:15 - In Repentance and Rest You Shall Be Saved"). Another prominent theme is the **Consequences of Disobedience**, showing that Judah's rejection of God's counsel results in public humiliation and a lack of true security. The "shame" and "reproach" are not merely personal feelings but public disgrace, underscoring the severe implications of distrusting God's wisdom and choosing a path of self-reliance. This echoes the broader prophetic message that [cursed is the one who trusts in man](/jeremiah/17-5 "Jeremiah 17:5 - The Curse of Trusting in Man").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ashamed (Hebrew, _yâbêsh'_):** H3001, a primitive root meaning "to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage)." In this context, it signifies the deep humiliation and confusion that will result from Judah's reliance on Egypt. Their expectations of help will "dry up," leaving them utterly disappointed and exposed.
* **Profit (Hebrew, _yaʻal'_):** H3276, a primitive root meaning "properly, to ascend; figuratively, to be valuable (objectively; useful, subjectively; benefited)." The repetition of this word ("could not profit them, nor be an help nor profit") underscores the absolute uselessness and lack of benefit derived from the Egyptian alliance. It emphasizes that the perceived advantage will not materialize.
* **Shame (Hebrew, _bôsheth'_):** H1322, from H954 (bûsh); "shame (the feeling and the condition, as well as its cause); by implication (specifically) an idol." This term denotes not just a feeling of embarrassment but a state of public disgrace and confusion. It suggests that the very thing Judah hoped would bring security will instead bring public dishonor and expose their folly.
* **Reproach (Hebrew, _cherpâh'_):** H2781, from H2778 (ḥārap); "contumely, disgrace, the pudenda; rebuke, reproach(-fully), shame." This word intensifies "shame," signifying scorn, insult, and public humiliation. It implies that Judah will be subjected to derision and contempt, not only from their enemies but also from those they sought help from, further compounding their disgrace.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They were all ashamed of a people":** This clause refers to the people of Judah, specifically their leaders, who initiated the alliance with Egypt. The "people" they are ashamed of is Egypt. The shame arises from the realization that their reliance on this foreign power was utterly misplaced and ultimately exposed their vulnerability rather than securing their safety.
* **"[that] could not profit them, nor be an help nor profit":** This triple negative emphasizes the complete and utter uselessness of the Egyptian alliance. Egypt, despite its past reputation as a great power, would provide no tangible benefit, no military assistance, and no strategic advantage to Judah. The repetition of "profit" underscores the absolute zero return on Judah's investment of trust and resources.
* **"but a shame, and also a reproach":** This final clause states the direct, negative outcome of the misguided alliance. Instead of the anticipated benefit, Judah would receive only "shame" (public disgrace, humiliation) and "reproach" (scorn, insult, public condemnation). This highlights the severe spiritual and social consequences of their disobedience and distrust in God.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah employs several powerful literary devices in this verse to convey his message. **Repetition** of the word "profit" ("could not profit them, nor be an help nor profit") serves as a forceful rhetorical emphasis, underscoring the absolute futility and worthlessness of the Egyptian alliance. This creates a sense of definitive failure. **Irony** is also present, as Judah sought "help" and "profit" from Egypt, but instead received the exact opposite: "shame" and "reproach." The very source they hoped would bring security became the source of their humiliation. Furthermore, the strong emotional terms "ashamed," "shame," and "reproach" contribute to a sense of **Hyperbole**, amplifying the depth of the disgrace Judah would experience. This vivid language aims to shock the audience into recognizing the severity of their misplaced trust.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 30:5 profoundly illustrates a recurring biblical principle: the danger of trusting in human strength or worldly systems over the unfailing power and faithfulness of God. It acts as a stark reminder that true security and deliverance come only from the Lord. When God's people seek solutions outside of His divine will and provision, they inevitably encounter disappointment, disgrace, and a failure to achieve their desired outcome. This verse underscores the theological truth that God alone is sovereign and sufficient, and any attempt to circumvent His authority or rely on lesser powers will ultimately lead to spiritual and practical bankruptcy, exposing the folly of human self-reliance.

* [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.")
* [Jeremiah 17:5](/jeremiah/17-5 "Jeremiah 17:5 - Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the Lord.")
* [Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 30:5 challenges believers today to examine the sources of their security and hope. In a world fraught with uncertainties—economic instability, political turmoil, health crises, and personal struggles—where do we instinctively turn for help? Do we, like ancient Judah, place our trust in our own resources, influential connections, societal structures, or even our own perceived wisdom, hoping they will "profit" us? This verse serves as a powerful mirror, reflecting the potential for profound disappointment and "shame" when we rely on anything less than God's unwavering faithfulness. It calls us to a radical reorientation of our trust, reminding us that genuine peace, security, and ultimate victory are found only in surrendering our anxieties and dependencies to the Lord. Our application lies in actively choosing to lean on God's strength, seeking His counsel, and resting in His provision, even when worldly solutions seem more immediate or tangible.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Egypts" do I tend to rely on in my life when facing challenges, instead of seeking God's help first?**
* **In what areas of my life am I prone to self-reliance or trusting in human systems, and how has that brought "shame" or "reproach" (disappointment/failure)?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper, more consistent trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even when the path of human alliance seems easier or more logical?**

### FAQ
**What was the specific "people" Judah was ashamed of in Isaiah 30:5?**

Answer: The "people" Judah was ashamed of was Egypt. During the reign of King Hezekiah, Judah, under threat from the Assyrian Empire, sought a military alliance with Egypt for protection. Isaiah 30:5 condemns this alliance, prophesying that Egypt would prove utterly useless and instead bring shame and reproach upon Judah, highlighting the futility of trusting in human power over divine help.

**Why was seeking an alliance with Egypt considered a "shame" and "reproach" for Judah?**

Answer: Seeking an alliance with Egypt was considered a "shame" and "reproach" for several reasons. Theologically, it demonstrated a profound lack of faith in God, who had repeatedly proven Himself as Judah's deliverer (e.g., [Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Crossing of the Red Sea")). By turning to Egypt, Judah effectively declared God insufficient. Practically, the alliance was militarily ineffective; Egypt would not provide the anticipated aid, leaving Judah exposed and vulnerable to Assyria. This failure would result in public humiliation and scorn, both from their enemies and potentially from their own people, as their misplaced trust led to disaster instead of deliverance. The anticipated "profit" turned into public disgrace, fulfilling the prophetic warning.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 30:5, with its stark portrayal of the futility of human reliance and the shame of misplaced trust, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament. While Judah sought profit and help from a failing human empire, humanity's ultimate "shame" and "reproach" stemmed from its inability to save itself from sin and death, a burden no human alliance or effort could ever alleviate. Christ, however, is the one in whom all true "profit" and "help" are found. Unlike Egypt, who could not profit Judah, Jesus Christ perfectly fulfilled the Father's will, becoming the ultimate source of salvation and deliverance. He did not come to form a political alliance, but to offer a spiritual rescue, taking upon Himself the "shame" and "reproach" of humanity's sin, enduring the cross, so that those who trust in Him would never be put to shame [Romans 10:11](/romans/10-11 "Romans 10:11 - Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame"). He is the true refuge and strength, the one who truly "profits" us by granting eternal life [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - For God so loved the world") and victory over sin and death [1 Corinthians 15:57](/1_corinthians/15-57 "1 Corinthians 15:57 - But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."). In Him, the ancient call to trust in God alone is perfectly realized, for He is God incarnate, our unfailing help and the one who delivers us from all shame.

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

Jeremiah 2:36

Why gaddest thou about so much to change thy way? thou also shalt be ashamed of Egypt, as thou wast ashamed of Assyria.

Isaiah 30:7

For the Egyptians shall help in vain, and to no purpose: therefore have I cried concerning this, Their strength [is] to sit still.

Isaiah 31:1

¶ Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because [they are] many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!

Isaiah 31:3

Now the Egyptians [are] men, and not God; and their horses flesh, and not spirit. When the LORD shall stretch out his hand, both he that helpeth shall fall, and he that is holpen shall fall down, and they all shall fail together.

Isaiah 20:5

And they shall be afraid and ashamed of Ethiopia their expectation, and of Egypt their glory.

Isaiah 20:6

And the inhabitant of this isle shall say in that day, Behold, such [is] our expectation, whither we flee for help to be delivered from the king of Assyria: and how shall we escape?

Isaiah 30:16

But ye said, No; for we will flee upon horses; therefore shall ye flee: and, We will ride upon the swift; therefore shall they that pursue you be swift.