They were all ashamed - That is, all the legates or ambassadors. When they came into Egypt, they found them either unwilling to enter into an alliance, or unable to render them any aid, and they were ashamed that they had sought their assistance rather than depend on God (compare Jeremiah 2:36). read more
The burden of the beasts of the south - The word ‘south’ here refers doubtless to the country to the south of Judea; and particularly to Egypt. Thus it is used in Daniel 11:5-6. The phrase ‘beasts of the south,’ here refers to the animals that were traveling to Egypt. Isaiah, in vision, sees the caravan heavily laden with treasures pursuing a southern direction on its way to Egypt. The word ‘burden’ is used in two senses, to denote that which is borne, a heavy burden; or an oracle, a solemn... read more
Isaiah 30:1-5. Wo to the rebellious children The Jews, who called themselves God’s children, though they were rebellious ones, as was said Isaiah 1:2. That take counsel That consult together, and resolve what to do; but not of me Not following nor asking my advice, which I encouraged and commanded them to do. And cover with a covering Seek protection; but not of my Spirit Not such as by my Spirit, speaking in my word, I have directed and required them to seek; that they may add sin... read more
Isaiah 30:6-7. The burden of the beasts of the south The burden of riches or treasures, carried upon beasts travelling southward. In these verses the prophet has before his eyes “the ambassadors of the Jews, or, as some think, also of Hosea, and the Ephraimites, (see 2 Kings 17:4,) bearing their splendid and sumptuous presents on asses and camels into Egypt; and perceiving that they would reap no advantage from this proud and sumptuous embassy, and that the whole would be fruitless, or... read more
The folly of relying on Egypt (30:1-33)All Isaiah’s warnings against an alliance with Egypt are in vain. As he learns that a group of Judean representatives is on its way to Egypt, he points out again how disastrous this alliance will prove to be. Judah’s reliance on Egypt is against God’s will and in the end will bring only disgrace upon Judah (30:1-5).Isaiah pictures the dangerous journey, as a caravan of donkeys and camels carry Judah’s payment through the dry southern region of Judah... read more
walk = are setting out. This prophecy had been given in the days of Hezekiah (617-588), and was then being fulfilled in Israel. strength of Pharaoh. Compare Isaiah 30:7 , where it is shown to be a vain help. In verses: Isaiah 30:2 , Isaiah 30:3 , "strength" is literal. In Isaiah 30:7 it is a Figure. trust = flee for refuge to. Hebrew. hasah. App-69 . Same word as in Isaiah 30:3 , but not the same as in Isaiah 30:12 . read more
his: i.e. Pharaoh's. Zoan. Now Zan. learn doctrine = accept instruction. Hanes. Called Tahapanes (Jeremiah 2:16 ). Now Tell Defenneh , about seventy miles from Cairo, the capital of a minor district. Succeeding Memphis as the capital before Abraham's time. Known to the Greeks as Hiracleopolis Magna. The name occurs only in Scripture. read more
burden. Refers to the lading of the animals of the ambassadors who were going down to Egypt with rich gifts to secure an alliance, and thus reversing the steps of their national deliverance. It is not a fresh "burden", "the beginning of which has been lost". the south = the Negeb, which must be passed through to get to Egypt. See notes on Genesis 13:1 , and Psalms 126:4 . the viper, &c. Reference to Pentateuch (Deuteronomy 8:15 ). Occurs in Isaiah only here, and in Isaiah 59:5 . App-92... read more
Isaiah 30:1-2. Woe to the rebellious children, &c.— These two verses contain the proposition of the discourse, exhibiting the carnal counsel of the Ephraimites condemned by God, which makes the basis of this prophetical declamation. The Ephraimites are addressed as refractory children, more strongly to mark their impiety. See Deuteronomy 21:18; Deuteronomy 21:23. Hos 4:16 and Jeremiah 2:18. To cover with a covering, but not of God's Spirit, is to seek help to themselves from the persuasion... read more
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Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 30:4
For his princes - The sense of this verse seems to be this. The prophet is stating the fact that the Jews would be ashamed of their attempted alliance with Egypt. In this verse, and the following, he states the manner in which they would be made sensible of their folly in seeking this alliance. He therefore enumerates several circumstances in regard to the manner in which the alliance had been sought, and the disappointment that would follow after all their vain confidence. He therefore states... read more