Isaiah 30:6

KJV

The burden of the beasts of the south: into the land of trouble and anguish, from whence [come] the young and old lion, the viper and fiery flying serpent, they will carry their riches upon the shoulders of young asses, and their treasures upon the bunches of camels, to a people [that] shall not profit [them].

KJV (with Strong's)

The burden {H4853} of the beasts {H929} of the south {H5045}: into the land {H776} of trouble {H6869} and anguish {H6695}, from whence come the young {H3833} and old lion {H3918}, the viper {H660} and fiery {H8314} flying {H5774} serpent {H8314}, they will carry {H5375} their riches {H2428} upon the shoulders {H3802} of young asses {H5895}, and their treasures {H214} upon the bunches {H1707} of camels {H1581}, to a people {H5971} that shall not profit {H3276} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

A prophecy about the animals in the Negev: In a land of trouble and anguish, of lionesses and roaring lions, of vipers and poisonous flying serpents, they carry their riches on donkeys' backs and their treasures on camels' humps to a people who will not help them.

Berean Standard Bible

This is the burden against the beasts of the Negev: Through a land of hardship and distress, of lioness and lion, of viper and flying serpent, they carry their wealth on the backs of donkeys and their treasures on the humps of camels, to a people of no profit to them.

American Standard Version

The burden of the beasts of the South. Through the land of trouble and anguish, from whence come the lioness and the lion, the viper and fiery flying serpent, they carry their riches upon the shoulders of young asses, and their treasures upon the humps of camels, to a people that shall not profit them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 30:6 delivers a scathing prophetic indictment against the Kingdom of Judah for its misguided and faithless reliance on Egypt for military aid against the encroaching Assyrian threat. The verse vividly portrays the perilous journey through a dangerous wilderness, laden with valuable tribute intended for their potential ally, only to declare with divine certainty that this costly and treacherous endeavor would ultimately yield no benefit or profit whatsoever, underscoring the futility of trusting in human alliances over God's sovereign protection.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 30:6 is embedded within a larger prophetic oracle (Isaiah 30-31) where the prophet Isaiah vehemently condemns Judah's decision to seek an alliance with Egypt. This specific verse follows a declaration of woe against "rebellious children" who "carry out a plan, but not mine" and "make an alliance, but not of my Spirit" ([Isaiah 30:1](/isaiah/30-1 "Isaiah 30:1 - Woe to Rebellious Children")). The preceding verses describe Judah's envoys traveling to Egypt, highlighting their spiritual blindness and refusal to trust in the Lord. The subsequent verses continue to emphasize God's judgment on such misplaced trust and His call to repentance and quiet reliance on Him for salvation and strength ([Isaiah 30:15](/isaiah/30-15 "Isaiah 30:15 - In Quietness and Trust")). The entire section serves as a powerful contrast between divine wisdom and human folly.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** During the late 8th century BCE, the Kingdom of Judah, under King Hezekiah, faced existential pressure from the Neo-Assyrian Empire, which was rapidly expanding its dominion. Assyria had already conquered the Northern Kingdom of Israel (722 BCE) and was threatening Judah. In desperation, many nations, including Judah, looked to Egypt, a traditional regional power, for military and financial support. This involved sending envoys with rich gifts across the dangerous Sinai desert, a region known for its harsh conditions and venomous creatures. The "beasts of the south" could refer to the actual animals of the desert or symbolically to the dangerous nature of the Egyptian alliance itself. Culturally, alliances were often sealed with tribute, and the journey described reflects a significant investment of resources and risk.

* **Key Themes:** The central theme is **Misplaced Trust**, showcasing Judah's profound error in diverting their hope and resources from the Lord to a foreign power. The costly and perilous journey, with "riches upon the shoulders of young asses, and their treasures upon the bunches of camels," vividly illustrates the extent of their commitment to this human-centric solution, completely disregarding God's clear command to rely on Him alone. This leads directly to the theme of the **Futility of Human Schemes**, as the verse emphatically concludes that the Egyptian alliance "shall not profit them." This highlights the ultimate emptiness of plans conceived apart from divine will, a warning echoed throughout prophetic literature, such as in [Psalm 33:16-17](/psalms/33-16-17 "Psalm 33:16-17 - No King is Saved by the Size of His Army"). Furthermore, the vivid imagery of dangerous animals like "the young and old lion, the viper and fiery flying serpent" underscores the theme of **Divine Warning and Inherent Danger**, not just of the physical journey but metaphorically of the treacherous and ultimately destructive nature of the ungodly alliance itself.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Burden (Hebrew, _massâʼ_):** This term (H4853) often denotes a weighty prophetic utterance, frequently one of judgment or doom. Its use here immediately signals the solemnity and gravity of the divine pronouncement against Judah's actions, framing the entire verse as a divine oracle rather than a mere observation. It emphasizes the spiritual weight of Judah's sin and the impending consequences.
* **Riches (Hebrew, _chayil'_); Treasures (Hebrew, _ʼôwtsâr'_):** _Chayil_ (H2428) signifies force, wealth, or resources, while _ʼôwtsâr_ (H214) refers to a depository of valuables. Together, these words emphasize the significant material wealth and valuable resources Judah was expending on this alliance. The act of carrying these "riches" and "treasures" across a dangerous land underscores the immense investment and sacrifice Judah was willing to make for human security, rather than investing their trust in God.
* **Profit (Hebrew, _yaʻal'_):** This primitive root (H3276) means "to ascend" or, figuratively, "to be valuable" or "benefited." The declaration that the people "shall not profit them" is a direct divine judgment on the futility of Judah's efforts. Despite the great cost, peril, and expectation, the outcome would be utterly devoid of any true or lasting benefit, highlighting the emptiness of seeking help apart from God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The burden of the beasts of the south:"** This opening phrase, using "burden" (_massâʼ_), immediately establishes the prophetic context, signaling a weighty divine pronouncement, often associated with judgment. "The beasts of the south" likely refers to the animals used for transport (asses, camels) carrying tribute to Egypt, located to Judah's south. It also subtly hints at the wild, untamed, and dangerous nature of the region itself.
* **"into the land of trouble and anguish, from whence [come] the young and old lion, the viper and fiery flying serpent,"** This clause vividly describes the perilous journey through the desert to Egypt. "Land of trouble and anguish" paints a picture of hardship and distress. The specific mention of "young and old lion, the viper and fiery flying serpent" emphasizes the extreme physical dangers—predatory animals and highly venomous snakes—that infest this desolate region, symbolizing the inherent peril and destructive nature of the path Judah has chosen.
* **"they will carry their riches upon the shoulders of young asses, and their treasures upon the bunches of camels,"** This part details the costly tribute Judah is sending. "Riches" and "treasures" highlight the valuable resources being invested. The "young asses" and "camels" are the beasts of burden, underscoring the immense effort and expense involved in transporting such a significant offering across the treacherous terrain, all for a misguided alliance.
* **"to a people [that] shall not profit [them]."** This concluding phrase delivers the divine verdict, rendering the entire costly and dangerous enterprise utterly futile. Despite all the effort, expense, and peril, the intended allies (Egypt) would provide no actual benefit, help, or lasting security, powerfully emphasizing the emptiness of human-centered solutions when God's will is disregarded.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 30:6 is rich in **Imagery**, painting a vivid picture of the dangerous desert journey with its "trouble and anguish" and menacing creatures like "young and old lion, the viper and fiery flying serpent." This creates a palpable sense of dread and highlights the perilous nature of Judah's chosen path. The mention of "fiery flying serpent" is particularly potent, likely referring to a highly venomous snake whose bite causes burning pain, or perhaps a mythical creature symbolizing extreme danger. The entire passage functions as a powerful **Metaphor** for the spiritual danger and futility of relying on human alliances rather than divine protection. The act of carrying "riches" and "treasures" to a people who "shall not profit them" employs **Irony**, as the immense investment and risk lead to a completely unproductive outcome, underscoring the foolishness of Judah's misplaced trust.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 30:6 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of divine sovereignty versus human self-reliance. It underscores the biblical principle that true security and salvation originate solely from God, not from worldly power, political alliances, or material wealth. Judah's attempt to secure its future through an alliance with Egypt, rather than by trusting in the Lord, is presented as an act of faithlessness that will inevitably lead to futility and disappointment. This passage teaches that any endeavor undertaken outside of God's will, no matter how logical or expedient it appears from a human perspective, is ultimately destined to "not profit" those who pursue it. It is a timeless warning against idolatry in its various forms, particularly the idolatry of human strength and worldly solutions.

* [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Some Trust in Chariots, Some in Horses")
* [Jeremiah 17:5](/jeremiah/17-5 "Jeremiah 17:5 - Cursed is the One Who Trusts in Man")
* [Hosea 7:11](/hosea/7-11 "Hosea 7:11 - Ephraim is Like a Dove, Easily Deceived")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 30:6 offers a timeless spiritual lesson for believers today, challenging us to examine where our ultimate trust lies. In a world fraught with anxieties, economic uncertainties, and political instability, the temptation to seek security in human systems, financial portfolios, or powerful connections can be overwhelming. This verse powerfully reminds us that such reliance, while seemingly pragmatic, is ultimately a "land of trouble and anguish" that will "not profit" us in the long run. It calls us to cultivate a radical dependence on God, recognizing that His wisdom, provision, and protection are infinitely superior to any human strategy or resource. True peace and lasting security are found not in accumulating wealth or forging strategic alliances, but in quiet trust and obedience to the Lord. When faced with challenges, our first inclination should be to seek God's counsel and rely on His sovereign power, rather than expending our energy and resources on paths that ultimately yield no eternal benefit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to rely on human strength or worldly resources instead of God?**
* **What "treasures" or "riches" am I investing in things that ultimately "will not profit me" in God's economy?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper, more consistent trust in God's provision and protection, especially when facing overwhelming challenges?**
* **What "land of trouble and anguish" might I be entering by pursuing paths not aligned with God's will?**

### FAQ
**What does "the burden of the beasts of the south" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "the burden" (Hebrew: _massâʼ_) signifies a weighty prophetic oracle, often one of judgment, indicating that the following message is a divine pronouncement. "The beasts of the south" refers to the animals (asses and camels) used to transport the valuable tribute from Judah across the southern desert regions to Egypt. It also implicitly highlights the dangerous nature of the journey and the region itself, which was known for its wild animals and harsh conditions. The entire phrase sets the stage for God's condemnation of Judah's misguided alliance with Egypt.

**Why was Judah seeking help from Egypt, and what was the consequence?**

Answer: Judah, under King Hezekiah, was under immense pressure from the powerful Assyrian Empire, which had already conquered the northern kingdom of Israel. Fearing invasion, Judah's leaders sought a military and political alliance with Egypt, a formidable power to their south, hoping for protection. The consequence, as declared in [Isaiah 30:6](/isaiah/30-6 "Isaiah 30:6 - The Burden of the Beasts of the South"), was that this alliance would "not profit them." God, through Isaiah, condemned this act as a lack of faith, emphasizing that true deliverance and security come only from Him, not from human alliances or military might, a theme powerfully reiterated in [Isaiah 31:1](/isaiah/31-1 "Isaiah 31:1 - Woe to Those Who Go Down to Egypt for Help").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 30:6, with its stark portrayal of Judah's misplaced trust and the futility of their human-centered solutions, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate need for a divine deliverer. Judah sought profit and security from Egypt, a worldly power, but found only emptiness. This mirrors humanity's pervasive tendency to seek salvation, meaning, and security in earthly pursuits, self-effort, or various idols, which ultimately "will not profit" us in the face of spiritual trouble and anguish. The "land of trouble and anguish" and its dangerous "lions" and "serpents" can be seen as a metaphor for the fallen world and the spiritual perils of sin and death. Christ, however, is the true "profit" for humanity. Unlike the fleeting and ultimately useless aid from Egypt, Jesus offers eternal salvation and true security. He is the one who truly delivers us from the "burden" of sin and the "anguish" of separation from God, having himself trodden the path of suffering to conquer the "fiery flying serpent" of sin and death ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus Destroys the One Who Has the Power of Death")). Our "riches" and "treasures" find their true value and purpose when invested in His kingdom, for He promises that those who lose their life for His sake will find it ([Matthew 16:25](/matthew/16-25 "Matthew 16:25 - Whoever Loses His Life for My Sake Will Find It")). He is the one in whom all our trust should be placed, for He alone is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, providing the ultimate, unfailing profit and deliverance ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")).

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

Deuteronomy 8:15

Who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness, [wherein were] fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where [there was] no water; who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint;

Isaiah 46:1

¶ Bel boweth down, Nebo stoopeth, their idols were upon the beasts, and upon the cattle: your carriages [were] heavy loaden; [they are] a burden to the weary [beast].

Isaiah 46:2

They stoop, they bow down together; they could not deliver the burden, but themselves are gone into captivity.

Jeremiah 11:4

Which I commanded your fathers in the day [that] I brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, from the iron furnace, saying, Obey my voice, and do them, according to all which I command you: so shall ye be my people, and I will be your God:

1 Kings 10:2

And she came to Jerusalem with a very great train, with camels that bare spices, and very much gold, and precious stones: and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart.

Hosea 8:9

For they are gone up to Assyria, a wild ass alone by himself: Ephraim hath hired lovers.

Hosea 8:10

Yea, though they have hired among the nations, now will I gather them, and they shall sorrow a little for the burden of the king of princes.