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Isaiah 28:20

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For the bed is shorter than that [a man] can stretch himself [on it]: and the covering narrower than that he can wrap himself [in it].

For the bed {H4702} is shorter {H7114} than that a man can stretch {H8311} himself on it: and the covering {H4541} narrower {H6887} than that he can wrap {H3664} himself in it.

For, [as the saying goes,] "The bed is too short for a person to stretch, and the blanket too narrow [to protect him from cold] even if he crams himself in."

Indeed, the bed is too short to stretch out on, and the blanket too small to wrap around you.

For the bed is shorter than that a man can stretch himself on it; and the covering narrower than that he can wrap himself in it.

Commentary

Context of Isaiah 28:20

Isaiah 28 addresses the proud and rebellious leaders of Ephraim (the Northern Kingdom of Israel), particularly those in Samaria, who are characterized by their spiritual drunkenness and arrogance. They have rejected God's simple instruction and sought security in human alliances, particularly with Egypt, rather than trusting in the Lord. They boast of having made a "covenant with death and an agreement with hell" (Isaiah 28:15), believing themselves immune to divine judgment.

Verse 20 serves as a stark metaphor for the ultimate failure and futility of their misguided plans and false sense of security. Their supposed refuge will offer no true comfort or protection when God's judgment inevitably comes. The preceding verse (Isaiah 28:19) warns of "vexation only to understand the report" and "terror."

Key Themes and Messages

  • Inadequacy of False Security: This verse vividly illustrates that human efforts, alliances, or self-devised schemes, when pursued apart from God, are utterly insufficient to provide lasting peace, rest, or security. What they thought would protect them will prove woefully lacking.
  • Futility of Rebellious Plans: The "bed" and "covering" symbolize the arrangements or provisions Israel has made for itself. Because these are not rooted in God's will or provision, they are inherently flawed and will offer no genuine comfort or escape from impending trouble.
  • Divine Judgment and Discomfort: The imagery conveys a sense of restlessness, exposure, and profound discomfort, symbolizing the consequences of rejecting God's true foundation. It suggests that their chosen path will lead not to rest, but to perpetual unease and distress.
  • Contrast with God's Provision: This verse stands in sharp contrast to the sure foundation God promised to lay in Zion—a "tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation" (Isaiah 28:16). While human provisions are inadequate, God's provision is perfect and complete.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew text uses simple, yet powerful, agricultural and domestic imagery to convey a profound spiritual truth. The terms for "bed" (מִצָּע, mittsa') and "covering" (מַסֵּכָה, massekah) are straightforward. The impact comes from the descriptive adjectives: "shorter" and "narrower." This creates a universally understood picture of trying to find comfort or protection in something that is simply too small to do the job. There's no complex hidden meaning in the individual words, but their combination creates a striking metaphor for inadequacy.

Practical Application

Isaiah 28:20 serves as a timeless warning against placing our trust and seeking our security in anything other than God. In our own lives, this can manifest as:

  • Reliance on Wealth or Status: Believing that money, power, or social standing will ultimately protect us from life's difficulties or provide true contentment.
  • Trusting in Human Wisdom Alone: Depending solely on our own intellect, strategies, or the advice of others, without seeking God's guidance or acknowledging His sovereignty.
  • Seeking False Comforts: Turning to temporary pleasures, addictions, or superficial relationships to find peace, which ultimately leave us exposed and restless.

The verse calls us to examine where we truly seek our rest and security. Unlike the restless state described here, Jesus offers true rest to those who come to Him, a rest that is complete and satisfying, providing a perfect spiritual "bed" and "covering" that is never too short or too narrow.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Romans 9:30 (4 votes)

    ¶ What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith.

  • Romans 9:32 (4 votes)

    Wherefore? Because [they sought it] not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;

  • Isaiah 64:6 (4 votes)

    ¶ But we are all as an unclean [thing], and all our righteousnesses [are] as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

  • 1 Corinthians 1:18 (4 votes)

    For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

  • 1 Corinthians 1:31 (4 votes)

    That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

  • Isaiah 66:3 (3 votes)

    He that killeth an ox [is as if] he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, [as if] he cut off a dog's neck; he that offereth an oblation, [as if he offered] swine's blood; he that burneth incense, [as if] he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations.

  • Isaiah 66:6 (3 votes)

    A voice of noise from the city, a voice from the temple, a voice of the LORD that rendereth recompence to his enemies.