Isaiah 36:6

KJV

Lo, thou trustest in the staff of this broken reed, on Egypt; whereon if a man lean, it will go into his hand, and pierce it: so [is] Pharaoh king of Egypt to all that trust in him.

KJV (with Strong's)

Lo, thou trustest {H982} in the staff {H4938} of this broken {H7533} reed {H7070}, on Egypt {H4714}; whereon if a man {H376} lean {H5564}, it will go {H935} into his hand {H3709}, and pierce {H5344} it: so is Pharaoh {H6547} king {H4428} of Egypt {H4714} to all that trust {H982} in him.

Complete Jewish Bible

Look! Relying on Egypt is like using a broken stick as a staff - when you lean on it, it punctures your hand. That's what Pharaoh king of Egypt is like for anyone who puts his trust in him.

Berean Standard Bible

Look now, you are trusting in Egypt, that splintered reed of a staff that will pierce the hand of anyone who leans on it. Such is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust in him.

American Standard Version

Behold, thou trustest upon the staff of this bruised reed, even upon Egypt, whereon if a man lean, it will go into his hand, and pierce it: so is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all that trust on him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 36:6 delivers a poignant warning against the peril of misplaced trust, vividly portraying the unreliability of earthly alliances, specifically Egypt, through the metaphor of a "broken reed." This verse, spoken by an enemy, underscores the futility and danger of relying on human strength or worldly powers, which ultimately offer no true support and can even inflict harm upon those who depend on them, in stark contrast to the steadfast faithfulness of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the dramatic narrative of Sennacherib's siege of Jerusalem during the reign of King Hezekiah, detailed in [Isaiah 36](/isaiah/36 "Isaiah 36 - Sennacherib's Invasion of Judah") and [Isaiah 37](/isaiah/37 "Isaiah 37 - God Delivers Jerusalem"). Rabshakeh, the Assyrian field commander, delivers a series of taunts and psychological warfare tactics designed to demoralize the people of Judah and undermine their trust in both their God and their proposed alliance with Egypt. His speech, recorded in [Isaiah 36:4-20](/isaiah/36-4 "Isaiah 36:4-20 - Rabshakeh's Taunts"), aims to convince Jerusalem to surrender by highlighting the perceived weakness of their allies and the futility of resistance against the mighty Assyrian army. This particular verse serves as a direct jab at Hezekiah's foreign policy, which had involved seeking aid from Egypt, a move often condemned by prophets like Isaiah.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The late 8th century BC was a period of immense geopolitical upheaval. The Neo-Assyrian Empire was at its zenith, systematically conquering and annexing territories across the Near East. Judah, under King Hezekiah, had initially paid tribute to Assyria but later rebelled, likely encouraged by a resurgence of Egyptian influence and promises of support. Egypt, though a formidable ancient power, was often seen by the prophets as an unreliable ally, frequently failing to deliver on its promises or being too weak to effectively counter Assyrian might. The imagery of a "reed" (Hebrew: *qaneh*) is particularly apt for Egypt, as reeds were abundant along the Nile River. A broken reed, easily found in marshy areas, would be a common and recognizable symbol of weakness and danger, especially if one were to lean on it for support, as it would splinter and pierce the hand.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme of [Isaiah 36:6](/isaiah/36-6 "Isaiah 36:6 - The Broken Reed of Egypt") is the **danger of misplaced trust**. It starkly contrasts the perceived strength of human alliances (represented by Egypt) with their actual fragility and capacity for harm. This theme is pervasive throughout Isaiah, which consistently calls Judah to trust in the Lord alone rather than in political maneuvering or military might. The verse also implicitly highlights **divine sovereignty**; even through the words of an enemy, the truth of Egypt's unreliability serves to funnel Judah's hope back to God. The narrative culminates in God's miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem without any Egyptian intervention, as seen in [Isaiah 37:36](/isaiah/37-36 "Isaiah 37:36 - God's Deliverance of Jerusalem"), powerfully reinforcing the message that "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God" ([Psalm 20:7](/psalm/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Lord")). The consequences of false reliance are also emphasized, as the imagery of the reed piercing the hand vividly illustrates that such trust not only fails but actively harms those who depend on it.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **trustest (Hebrew, _bâṭach'_):** From H982, this verb signifies to hide for refuge, to be confident, secure, or sure. In this context, it highlights Judah's misplaced confidence and reliance on Egypt as a source of security, rather than on God. The term implies a deep-seated dependence and assurance.
* **broken (Hebrew, _râtsats'_):** From H7533, meaning to crack in pieces, to bruise, crush, or discourage. When applied to the reed, it emphasizes its inherent weakness and instability. It's not merely weak, but fundamentally damaged, rendering it incapable of providing any reliable support.
* **reed (Hebrew, _qâneh'_):** From H7070, referring to a stalk, cane, or rod. In the context of the Nile region, reeds were common but known for their fragility, especially when dry or brittle. This word sets the stage for the metaphor of a flimsy, unreliable support.
* **pierce (Hebrew, _nâqab'_):** From H5344, meaning to puncture, perforate, or strike through. This vivid verb describes the painful and damaging outcome of leaning on the "broken reed." It suggests that reliance on Egypt will not merely lead to disappointment but to active harm and injury.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Lo, thou trustest in the staff of this broken reed, on Egypt;"**: Rabshakeh begins with an exclamation ("Lo!") to draw attention to Judah's perceived folly. He directly accuses them of placing their trust ("bâṭach") in Egypt, metaphorically calling Egypt a "staff of this broken reed." The imagery immediately conveys weakness and unreliability, suggesting that what Judah perceives as a strong support is, in reality, fundamentally flawed and incapable of bearing weight.
* **"whereon if a man lean, it will go into his hand, and pierce it:"**: This clause elaborates on the consequence of such misplaced trust. It paints a vivid picture: if a person (ʼîysh) attempts to lean (çâmak) on this broken reed for support, it will inevitably break further, splintering and entering (bôwʼ) into their hand (kaph), causing pain and injury (nâqab). This is a powerful illustration of the active harm that comes from relying on unstable human powers.
* **"so [is] Pharaoh king of Egypt to all that trust in him."**: The verse concludes with a direct simile, explicitly stating the application of the metaphor. Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, and by extension, the entire Egyptian nation and its military, is precisely like this broken, piercing reed to anyone who places their confidence in him. This final statement solidifies the warning: Egypt is not just useless; it is actively dangerous to those who seek its aid.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is rich with **Metaphor**, primarily the central image of Egypt as a "broken reed." This metaphor is highly effective, drawing on a common, tangible object to convey abstract theological and political truths about unreliability and danger. The imagery of the reed splintering and **piercing** the hand is a potent visual, evoking the physical pain and harm that results from misplaced trust. The phrase "staff of this broken reed" also employs **Irony**, as a staff is meant for support, yet here it is described as broken, negating its very purpose. Finally, the verse concludes with a clear **Simile**: "so [is] Pharaoh king of Egypt to all that trust in him," directly comparing Pharaoh's unreliability to the broken reed, making the application of the metaphor explicit and undeniable. Rabshakeh's entire speech, including this verse, functions as a form of **Rhetorical Argumentation**, designed to persuade Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem to abandon their resistance and their trust in external allies.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 36:6 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of trust. It underscores the biblical principle that ultimate reliance should be placed solely on God, who is an unshakeable rock and a faithful deliverer, rather than on the fleeting and fallible powers of humanity or the world. The "broken reed" of Egypt serves as a timeless archetype for any earthly source of security—be it wealth, political influence, military might, or human wisdom—that promises support but ultimately proves to be unreliable and even harmful. This verse challenges believers to examine the foundations of their confidence, reminding them that seeking security outside of God's sovereign care leads not to safety, but to disillusionment and pain, as the very thing leaned upon turns to pierce the hand.

* [Psalm 118:8-9](/psalm/118-8 "Psalm 118:8-9 - Better to Trust in the Lord"): "It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes."
* [Jeremiah 17:5-8](/jeremiah/17-5 "Jeremiah 17:5-8 - Cursed is the Man Who Trusts in Man"): "Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD... Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is."
* [2 Kings 18:21](/2_kings/18-21 "2 Kings 18:21 - Rabshakeh's Warning to Hezekiah"): "Now, behold, thou trustest upon the staff of this bruised reed, even upon Egypt, on which if a man lean, it will go into his hand, and pierce it: so is Pharaoh king of Egypt unto all that trust on him."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The warning against trusting in a "broken reed" resonates deeply in every era, including our own. We are constantly tempted to place our hope, security, and identity in sources other than God—whether it's financial stability, career success, political movements, social status, or even our own abilities and wisdom. This verse calls us to a radical re-evaluation of where our true confidence lies. It reminds us that anything less than the eternal, unchanging, and all-powerful God is, by definition, a "broken reed" – inherently unstable, prone to collapse, and ultimately capable of causing us profound disappointment and spiritual injury. To lean on such things is not merely to risk failure, but to invite a piercing pain when they inevitably give way. True peace and steadfastness are found only in unwavering reliance on the Lord, who alone is a solid rock and an unfailing refuge, never breaking, never piercing, always sustaining.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I tend to place my ultimate trust and security in life today?**
* **What "broken reeds" (e.g., specific relationships, financial plans, political ideologies, personal achievements) might I be unknowingly leaning on instead of God?**
* **How has relying on worldly supports brought disappointment or "pierced my hand" in the past?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to intentionally shift my reliance from temporary supports to the unchanging faithfulness of God?**

### FAQ
**Q: Why is Egypt specifically described as a "broken reed" in this context?**

Answer: Egypt is described as a "broken reed" because, despite its historical reputation as a powerful nation, it had proven to be an unreliable and ultimately ineffective ally for Judah against the formidable Assyrian Empire. The metaphor highlights several key points: first, a reed is naturally fragile and easily broken, symbolizing Egypt's inherent weakness when truly tested. Second, a *broken* reed is not only useless for support but actively dangerous; if one leans on it, it will splinter and pierce the hand. This illustrates that relying on Egypt would not merely lead to a lack of help, but to active harm and betrayal for Judah. Historically, Egypt often failed to provide the promised military aid or was defeated by Assyria, leaving its allies vulnerable. This imagery thus serves as a powerful warning against placing ultimate trust in human strength or political alliances that cannot deliver true security.

**Q: What does this verse teach us about alliances or seeking help from others?**

Answer: This verse teaches us a crucial lesson about the *nature* of our trust, rather than a blanket prohibition against all alliances or seeking help. It warns against placing *ultimate* or *exclusive* reliance on human powers, systems, or individuals, especially when such reliance supplants trust in God. While seeking counsel or forming strategic partnerships can be wise in certain circumstances, [Isaiah 36:6](/isaiah/36-6 "Isaiah 36:6 - The Broken Reed of Egypt") reminds us that human strength is finite and fallible, much like a "broken reed." True, unwavering security and ultimate deliverance come only from God. Therefore, the verse encourages believers to discern carefully where they place their deepest confidence, ensuring that God remains their primary source of strength and refuge, even when engaging with earthly systems or seeking human assistance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 36:6, with its vivid imagery of the broken reed and the piercing hand, profoundly foreshadows the human condition and the ultimate futility of self-reliance or trust in any created thing for salvation. Humanity, in its fallen state, is itself a "broken reed," incapable of providing true support or salvation for itself. Every attempt to establish righteousness by works of the law, to find security in worldly achievements, or to lean on human wisdom for spiritual solace ultimately results in a "pierced hand"—a painful realization of inadequacy and failure. The Law, though good, could not save but only revealed sin, acting as a broken reed that pierced the conscience, as described in [Romans 3:20](/romans/3-20 "Romans 3:20 - The Law Reveals Sin"). In stark contrast to Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, who is a "broken reed," stands Jesus Christ, the true King and the solid rock of our salvation. He is not a fragile staff that splinters and harms, but the unshakeable foundation upon whom all who trust can securely lean. While human leaders and systems fail, Christ is the steadfast Shepherd who leads His flock to living waters ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus the Good Shepherd")) and the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). He is the one who, though pierced for our transgressions ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - He Was Pierced for Our Transgressions")), offers healing and wholeness, not harm. Our trust in Him leads not to a pierced hand, but to eternal life and an unshakeable kingdom ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - An Unshakeable Kingdom")). He is the only one who can truly sustain us, a perfect and unbroken staff upon whom we can lean for all eternity, building our lives on His unyielding truth as the wise builder builds on the rock ([Matthew 7:24-27](/matthew/7-24 "Matthew 7:24-27 - The Wise and Foolish Builders")).

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

Ezekiel 29:6

And all the inhabitants of Egypt shall know that I [am] the LORD, because they have been a staff of reed to the house of Israel.

Ezekiel 29:7

When they took hold of thee by thy hand, thou didst break, and rend all their shoulder: and when they leaned upon thee, thou brakest, and madest all their loins to be at a stand.

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?

2 Kings 17:4

And the king of Assyria found conspiracy in Hoshea: for he had sent messengers to So king of Egypt, and brought no present to the king of Assyria, as [he had done] year by year: therefore the king of Assyria shut him up, and bound him in prison.

Jeremiah 37:5

Then Pharaoh's army was come forth out of Egypt: and when the Chaldeans that besieged Jerusalem heard tidings of them, they departed from Jerusalem.

Jeremiah 37:8

And the Chaldeans shall come again, and fight against this city, and take it, and burn it with fire.