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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Isaiah 30:1-7

It was often the fault and folly of the people of the Jews that, when they were insulted by their neighbours on one side, they sought for succour from their neighbours on the other side, instead of looking up to God and putting their confidence in him. Against the Israelites they sought to the Syrians, 2 Chron. 16:2, 3. Against the Syrians they sought to the Assyrians, 2 Kgs. 16:7. Against the Assyrians they here sought to the Egyptians, and Rabshakeh upbraided them with so doing, 2 Kgs.... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Isaiah 30:4

For his princes were at Zoan ,.... That is, the princes of the king of Judah, or of the people of Judah; though it can hardly be thought that princes should be sent ambassadors into Egypt, to enter into an alliance, or request help, without the knowledge, leave, and consent, and indeed order, of the king, under which character they went, as appears from the following clause: and his ambassadors came to Hanes ; these are the same with the princes, for such were sent on this embassy, both... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Isaiah 30:5

They were all ashamed of a people that could not profit them ,.... The princes, the ambassadors that were sent unto them, and the king or people, or both, that sent them, who hoped for and expected great things from them, but, being disappointed, were filled with shame; because either the Egyptians, who are the people here meant, either could not help them, or would not, not daring to engage with so powerful an enemy as the Assyrian monarch, which is illustrated and confirmed by repeating... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Isaiah 30:6

The burden of the beasts of the south ,.... Some think this begins a new prophecy, and this the name and inscription of it. The Septuagint version is, "the vision of the four footed beasts in the wilderness;' and Kimchi's note is, "this prophecy, which he prophesied, that the beasts of the south should go out, meaning the beasts of the wilderness, and devour those that went to seek help from Egypt;' but it respects the same thing as before, as appears by what follows; namely, the... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Isaiah 30:4

Hanes - Six MSS. of Kennicott's, and perhaps six others, with four of De Rossi's, read חנם chinnam , in vain, for הנס Hanes ; and so also the Septuagint, who read likewise יגעו yageu , labored, for יגיעו yaggiu , arrived at. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Isaiah 30:5

Were - ashamed - Eight MSS. (one ancient) of Kennicott's, and ten of De Rossi's, read הביש hobish , without א aleph . So the Chaldee and Vulgate. But a shame "But proved even a shame" - Four MSS. (three ancient) after כי ki , add אם im , unless, which seems wanted to complete the phrase in its usual form. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Isaiah 30:6

The burden - משא massa seems here to be taken in its proper sense; the load, not the oracle. The same subject is continued; and there seems to be no place here for a new title to a distinct prophecy. Does not burden of the beasts of the South in this place relate to the presents sent by Hoshea king of Israel to the South - to Egypt, which lay south of Judea, to engage the Egyptians to succor him against the king of Assyria? Into the land of trouble and anguish "Through a land of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 30:1-7

THE ALLIANCE WITH EGYPT OPENLY REBUKED . In the preceding chapter ( Isaiah 30:15 ) the design of the Jewish rulers to seek the alliance of Egypt was covertly glanced at and condemned; now it is openly declared and rebuked. The rulers are warned that no good can possibly come of it, even in a worldly sense. The Egyptians will give no aid, or at any rate no effectual aid. The sums expended in purchasing their friendship will be utterly thrown away. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 30:1-7

A godless policy issues in disaster, however seemingly wise. In the sight of man there was no more prudent course for the Jews to take than to ally themselves with Egypt. Egypt was the only power in their neighborhood that could possibly make head against Assyria. Egypt had a standing army, trained warriors, an ancient military system, numerous chariots and horses, ample siege material, and abundant appliances of war. She was at the time closely connected with Ethiopia, and could bring into... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 30:1-7

The embassy to Egypt. The embassy to Egypt has been sent, and the prophet's object is to show that the policy of it is false, as all policy must be false which does not rest upon religion. I. The POLICY CHARACTERIZED . It is that of " unruly sons," and they "carry out a purpose which is not from Jehovah." So in Hosea we read, "They have set up kings, but not by me; they have made princes, and I knew it not" ( Hosea 8:4 ). They "weave a net" or "plait alliances" without his... read more

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