Isaiah 30:5

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.

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}.

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

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.”

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.

Isaiah 30:5 delivers a stark warning about the futility and shame associated with seeking human alliances instead of divine help. This verse is part of a larger prophetic message from Isaiah, condemning Judah's decision to form an alliance with Egypt against the encroaching Assyrian Empire.

Historical and Cultural Context

During the reign of King Hezekiah in Judah, the powerful Assyrian Empire was a constant threat. Instead of relying solely on God for protection, as urged by the prophet Isaiah, Judah's leaders sought a political and military alliance with Egypt. This was a common practice in the ancient Near East, where smaller nations would align with larger powers for security. However, Isaiah consistently warned against such alliances, emphasizing that true security lay in trusting the Lord alone. This particular verse highlights the negative outcome of that misguided trust, revealing that Egypt, despite its perceived might, would prove to be utterly useless to Judah, bringing only disgrace.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Futility of Human Reliance: The primary message is that reliance on human strength or political maneuvering apart from God's will ultimately leads to disappointment and failure. Egypt, the "people" mentioned, was expected to be a source of strength but proved to be a broken reed.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: When God's people choose to walk in paths contrary to His revealed will, the result is often "shame" and "reproach." This highlights the spiritual and relational cost of distrusting God.
  • Call to Trust in God Alone: Implicitly, the verse underscores the importance of placing one's complete trust in the Lord, who is the only reliable source of help and deliverance.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "profit" used here, ya'al, signifies to be advantageous, beneficial, or useful. Its repetition ("could not profit them, nor be an help nor profit") strongly emphasizes the absolute lack of any positive outcome from the Egyptian alliance. The terms "shame" (boshet) and "reproach" (cherpah) are powerful words denoting deep humiliation, disgrace, and scorn. They vividly describe the public and painful consequences of Judah's misplaced trust, reinforcing Isaiah's message that trusting in man brings a curse, not blessing.

Practical Application

Isaiah 30:5 serves as a timeless reminder for believers today. In our own lives, when faced with challenges or threats, where do we instinctively turn for help? Do we rely on our own resources, human connections, political solutions, or financial stability, much like ancient Judah relied on Egypt? This verse challenges us to consider whether these earthly sources truly "profit" us in the long run or if they ultimately lead to disappointment and "shame." It calls us to remember that God is our true refuge and strength, and genuine security is found only in His unwavering provision and faithfulness.

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.

  • 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.

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