A SHORT BED AND NARROW COVERS

" For the bed is shorter than that a man can stretch himself on it: and the covering narrower than that he can wrap himself in it."KJV (Isaiah 28:20)

The Lord sent Isaiah to Israel to testify of its wickedness, and announce the judgment of God upon them. His judgment would be prolonged and most grievous. They had made a pact, or treaty, with Egypt, supposing it would bring them rest and safety. They had gone "down to Egypt for help," when they should have looked "to the Holy One of Israel," and "sought the Lord"  (31:1). God refers to their agreement with Egypt as a "covenant with death" and an "agreement with hell" (28:18). The results yielded by their covenant with Egypt would result in an "overflowing scourge" that would bring such terrible judgments upon them that it would "be a vexation only to understand the report" (28:18b-19). It is at this point of his prophecy that Isaiah states this proverb, "For the bed is too short to stretch out on, And the covering so narrow that one cannot wrap himself in it."NKJV This is saying that confirms the futility of making an alliance with God's enemies. Whatever advantages may be imagined to be obtained by forging such an coalition, it would not live up to its expectations. Israel needed more than an agreement with Egypt could provide. It was like a small bed in which she would not be able to rest or find relaxation. The protection she required, by Divine decree, could not come by joining in affinity with those who did not know God. Such a union was like a miniature blanket that could not keep a person warm in the wintery blast of Divine judgment.

Alas, Israel was not the last people identified with the Lord who sought to protect themselves and ensure victory by crafting an agreement with the enemies of God. Much of the professed church is seeking to increase its safety and success by borrowing from the world its wisdom, and its manners. It has framed an agreement with the world's scholars, motivators, entertainers, and economists, supposing it will guarantee its continuance and successfulness. But this is not the case. In the hour of crisis, when the hand of the Lord falls, those who have been foolish enough to "join in affinity" with wicked people (Ezra 9:14), will find they have made a bed for themselves that will not meet their need, and woven a small blanket that will not be able to warm them. If people choose to place their reliance in any one or any thing but the Lord, they will find that trust disappointing and futile in the hour of need. On the other hand, however, "Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame."NKJV (Rom 10:11)