Isaiah 30:6
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.
Isaiah 30:6 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, the prophet Isaiah speaks about the burden that the beasts of the south will carry into a land of trouble and anguish. The imagery used here is quite vivid, portraying a dangerous and treacherous journey laden with riches and treasures. The mention of the young and old lion, viper, and fiery flying serpent symbolizes the powerful and destructive forces that the people will face on their journey. The use of young asses and camels highlights the idea of using seemingly weak and insignificant means to transport valuable possessions. Despite their efforts, the treasures will ultimately be carried to a people that will not benefit from them, suggesting that their journey will be in vain. This verse serves as a cautionary tale about the futility of pursuing material wealth and the consequences of seeking riches in the wrong places.
Theological Overview
The passage from Isaiah 30:6 describes a vivid and picturesque portrayal of the burden that the people of Judah will face due to their reliance on Egypt for help instead of turning to God. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the consequences of seeking help from worldly sources rather than placing trust in God. The beasts of the south mentioned in the verse represent the nations or powers that Judah sought help from, which ultimately led them into a land of trouble and anguish. The mention of lions, vipers, and fiery flying serpents symbolizes the destructive and deceptive nature of these earthly powers. The imagery of carrying riches on young asses and camels to a nation that will not benefit them emphasizes the futility of placing one's trust in material wealth and worldly alliances. This verse serves as a cautionary tale against turning away from God and relying on human efforts for deliverance, emphasizing the need for steadfast faith in God's providence.
Isaiah 30:6 in other translations
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] .
World English Bible
The burden of the animals of the South. Through the land of trouble and anguish, of the lioness and the lion, the viper and fiery flying serpent, they carry their riches on the shoulders of young donkeys, and their treasures on the humps of camels, to an unprofitable people.
Douay-Rheims
The burden of the beasts of the south. In a land of trouble and distress, from whence come the lioness, and the lion, the viper and the flying basilisk, they carry their riches upon the shoulders of beasts, and their treasures upon the bunches of camels to a people that shall not be able to profit them.
Geneva Bible (1599)
The burden of the beasts of the South, in a land of trouble and anguish, from whence shall come the yong and olde lyon, the viper and fierie flying serpent against them that shall beare their riches vpon the shoulders of the coltes, and their treasures vpon the bounches of the camels, to a people that cannot profite.