Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Isaiah 30:17
The threat of only one man would so terrify a thousand Judahites that they would flee. The presence of only a few of the enemy would drive multitudes from their land (cf. Leviticus 26:8; Deuteronomy 32:30). Again, a double illustration (at the end of the verse) stressed a complete overthrow (cf. Isaiah 30:14). A deserted flag or signal on a hilltop would be all that was left to indicate the former presence of the people of Judah (cf. Isaiah 6:11-12). This is probably another reference to the... read more
Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Isaiah 30:16
Their punishment would be talionic; their punishment would fit their crime. They would flee before their very swift enemy, because they chose to run away on swift horses rather than to rest in the Lord (cf. Matthew 26:52). When we rely on our swiftness and strength, it is only a matter of time before someone faster and stronger comes along and overtakes us."The film Chariots of Fire illustrates what this looks like in real life. It tells the story of two men, Harold Abrahams and Eric Liddell.... read more