Isaiah 36:7

"Behold, you trust in the staff of this bruised reed, even in Egypt, which if a man leans on it, it will go into his hand and pierce it. So is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust in him."

Key Reflection

In Isaiah 36:7, the prophet employs vivid imagery to critique the Assyrian emissary's assertion that trusting in Egypt would bring security. The metaphor of a "bruised reed" symbolizes Egypt’s frailty and unreliability, as a reed can easily break or pierce one's hand when pressed. This imagery highlights how trusting Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, is similarly unwise, for it will ultimately lead to failure and disappointment. The verse underscores the instability and deceitfulness of relying on alliances with foreign powers, especially in light of God’s sovereignty over nations, as seen throughout Isaiah’s prophetic ministry.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

But if thou say to me -If you shall make this plea, that you believe Yahweh will protect you in your revolt. The word ‘thou’ here refers to Hezekiah, or to the ambassadors speaking in his name. In2 Kings 18:22, it is, ‘but if ye say unto me;’ that is, you ambassadors. The sense is substantially the same. Is it not he ... -This is given as a reason why they should not put their confidence in Yahweh. The reason is, that he supposed that Hezekiah had removed all the altars of Yahweh from all parts of the land, and that they could not calculate on the protection of a God whose worship bad been abolished.

Related Verses

More from Isaiah 36

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