Daily Devotions
Isaiah
"The burden against the beasts of the South"
Text: Isaiah 30:6
GIFTS FOR THE PHARAOH
Seeking the help of Pharaoh did not come cheaply. Judah sent many treasures to the Pharaoh in the hope of securing an alliance with Egypt.
“The burden against the beasts of the South.
Through a land of trouble and anguish,
From which came the lioness and lion,
The viper and fiery flying serpent,
They will carry their riches on the backs of young donkeys,
And their treasures on the humps of camels,
To a people who shall not profit;
For the Egyptians shall help in vain and to no purpose.
Therefore I have called her
Rahab-Hem-Shebeth.”
Isaiah 30:6-7
1. The beasts of the South.
a) These were beasts of burden.
b) They could be donkeys and camels.
2. The journey to Egypt described candidly.
a) It was a land of trouble and anguish.
b) In this wilderness were found:
i) Lions and lionesses.
ii) Different types of snakes and serpent.
iii) These posed great danger to all travellers and their beasts of burden.
3. The gifts to the Pharaoh.
a) They were described as “riches” and “treasures”.
b) But the Egyptians would not be able to help Judah in any way.
4. God’s nickname for Egypt.
a) “Rahab-Hem-Shebeth”
b) The name “Rahab”.
i) It is the name given to a female.
ii) The root word suggests “Pride”.
c) “Hem-Shebeth”
i) The phrase was part of the name of Rahab.
ii) The phrase by itself means “Rahab who does nothing much”.
iii) Or, “Rahab who sits down idly”.
d) This was Egypt in the days of Isaiah.
i) Egypt was not described as a mighty warrior.
ii) The nation was described as a woman who sits down idly, doing nothing.
iii) Egypt was given many rich gifts carried by beasts of burden.
iv) But Egypt did nothing significant for Judah.
v) Truly, Egypt was Rahab-Hem-Shebeth.