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Isaiah 30:7

Old Testament Major Prophet ASV (1901)

What does Isaiah 30:7 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For Egypt helpeth in vain, and to no purpose: therefore have I called her Rahab that sitteth still.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For Egypt helpeth in vain, and to no purpose: therefore have I called her Rahab that sitteth still.
Isaiah 30:7 — American Standard Version

Context — Isaiah 30

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
4For their princes are at Zoan, and their ambassadors are come to Hanes.
5They shall all be ashamed because of a people that cannot profit them, that are not a help nor profit, but a shame, and also a reproach.
6The 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].
7For Egypt helpeth in vain, and to no purpose: therefore have I called her Rahab that sitteth still.
8Now go, write it before them on a tablet, and inscribe it in a book, that it may be for the time to come for ever and ever.
9For it is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of Jehovah;
10that say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits,
← Isaiah 30:6Isaiah 30:8 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For the Egyptians shall help in vain, and to no purpose, &c.] Not sending help in time, or such as did no service; though they made a show of help, and attempted to help them, or seemed to do so, yet failed to do it: therefore have I cried; proclaimed or published, either the Lord by the prophet, or the prophet in the name of the Lord, which is much the same: concerning this, Their strength [is] to sit still; either concerning this embassy, that it would have been better for the ambassadors to have spared all their toil, and labour, and strength, in going down to Egypt, and have remained quiet and easy in their own country: or, “I cried, or called, to thisf592”, this city of Jerusalem, and…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“"Egypt is vanity, and to no purpose will they help" [G. V. SMITH]. strength--Hebrew, Rabah, a designation for Egypt (Isa 51:9; Psa 87:4), implying her haughty fierceness; translate, "Therefore I call her Arrogance that sitteth still." She who boasted of the help she would give, when it came to the test, sat still (Isa 36:6). English Version agrees with Isa 30:15; Isa 7:4.”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“To her - To Jerusalem or Judah. Sit still - It is safer and better for them to sit quietly at home, seeking to me for help. Isaiah 30:8”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“30:7 Harmless Dragon: In ancient mythology, Rahab was the enemy of the good gods and was depicted in fearsome terms, somewhat like a giant crocodile (see 27:1; 51:9; Job 41:1-34). By saying that Egypt was harmless, the prophet meant that it would be of no help to Judah.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“the Egyptians: Isa 31:1-5; Jer 37:7 concerning this: or, to her Their: Isa 30:15, Isa 2:22, Isa 7:4, Isa 28:12; Exo 14:13; Psa 76:8, Psa 76:9, Psa 118:8, Psa 118:9; Lam 3:26; Hos 5:13 Isaiah 30:8”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification