Isaiah 59:5

They hatch cockatrice egges, and weaue the spiders web: he that eateth of their egges dieth, and that which is crushed breaketh out into a viper. Isaiah 59:5 (KJV)

The book of Isaiah is a prophetic book in the Old Testament, and Chapter 59 focuses on the sins and rebellion of the people of Israel. It highlights the need for repentance and the consequences of their actions. In this verse several symbols are used to describe sinful behaviour and its consequences. Let’s explore each symbol:

• a) Hatch cockatrice’s (adder’s) eggs: The Hebrew term translated as “cockatrice” refers to a venomous snake such as an adder or viper, and the cockatrice was also thought of as a mythical serpent or dragon. The imagery of hatching the eggs signifies the act of bringing forth or generating evil deeds.
• b) Weave the spider’s web: The spider’s web represents deceit and the entanglement of sin. Just as a spider skillfully weaves its web to trap its prey, the people engage in deceptive practices and sinful activities.
• c) Swallowing the eggs: Eating the eggs of the cockatrice (adder) is metaphorical for partaking in the sinful deeds of others. It emphasizes that those who engage in evil practices will face serious consequences, even to the point of death.
• d) Drinking the poison of the viper: The viper’s poison represents the deadly nature of sin. Consuming it illustrates how sin can corrupt and ultimately lead to spiritual death, and the text notes that they are not ashamed of this.
• e) Crushing and vipers: The act of crushing symbolizes attempts to eradicate sin, but the result is that the evil breaks out into something even more dangerous, likened to a viper, demonstrating that sin cannot be easily overcome by human effort alone.

Spiritual Lesson: Isaiah 59:5 serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and the futility of trying to overcome it by human means. It highlights the need for repentance, turning away from sinful behaviour, and seeking God’s forgiveness and intervention. The verse points to the fact that sin has a tendency to multiply and escalate if left unchecked.

Application: As believers today we can examine our own lives and identify areas where we may be entangled in sinful behaviour. We should seek to repent and turn to God, acknowledging our need for His forgiveness and grace. Additionally, it reminds us not to rely solely on our own efforts to overcome sin but to depend on the power of God’s Spirit working within us.