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.
This is a message about the animals of the desert: Into a land full of trouble and suffering, where young and old lions live, along with poisonous snakes and deadly flying serpents, they will load their wealth on the backs of young donkeys and their treasures on camels' humps, taking them to a people who will not help them at all.
The writer is describing how God's people are foolishly carrying their wealth through dangerous territory to seek help from those who cannot truly help them.
📚 Historical Context
This prophecy was given during the time when Judah was considering forming an alliance with Egypt against the Assyrian threat. Isaiah is describing the dangerous journey through the desert (filled with wild animals and serpents) that messengers would take to reach Egypt with tribute and gifts. The 'people that shall not profit them' refers to the Egyptians, whom Isaiah warned would be unreliable allies.
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