Isaiah 36:6

Afrikaans Bible (ABA) 2007 (Bybel vir almal)

“Jy dink nou Egipte sal jou help, maar Egipte is soos 'n riet-kierie wat gebreek het. As jy op die riet druk, dan steek dit jou hand stukkend. Die farao, die koning van Egipte, is soos 'n riet-kierie vir almal wat dink hy sal hulle help.

What Does This Mean?

This verse from Isaiah is spoken by the Rabshakeh, a messenger of the Assyrian king Sennacherib, to the people of Judah. He warns them not to trust in Egypt for help, as Egypt is a weak and unreliable ally, like a broken reed that would harm them instead of help.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a broken stick that you try to use to support yourself, but it ends up hurting your hand instead. That's what the Assyrian messenger is saying about Egypt. He's telling the people of Judah not to trust in Egypt for help because it will only cause them harm.

Historical Background

Isaiah wrote this verse around 701 BCE during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah. The Assyrians were a powerful empire that threatened Judah, and Egypt was seen as a potential ally. However, the Assyrians warned that Egypt would be a weak and unreliable ally, like a broken reed that would harm rather than help.

Living It Out Today

In a modern scenario, this verse can be applied to situations where people seek help or support from sources that are unreliable or detrimental. For example, someone might trust a business partner who has a history of dishonesty, which could end up harming their own business.

Topics

• trust
• allies
• warning
• faith
• reliability
• advice

Related Verses

• Isaiah 30:7
• Isaiah 31:3
• Ezekiel 29:6
• Jeremiah 37:7
• Matthew 12:21

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main message of Isaiah 36:6?

The main message is a warning against trusting unreliable allies, specifically Egypt, which could be harmful rather than helpful.

Why does the verse use the metaphor of a broken reed?

The broken reed is a vivid image that shows how something meant to be supportive can actually cause injury, illustrating the unreliability of Egypt.

How did the historical context influence this verse?

During the threat of the Assyrian invasion, Egypt was seen as a potential ally for Judah, but the Assyrians warned that this alliance would be harmful.

Can this verse be applied to modern relationships?

Yes, it can be applied to any situation where people trust in someone or something that is unreliable and potentially harmful, such as a business partnership with a dishonest partner.