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
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
2. walk—are now setting out, namely, their ambassadors ( :-). Egypt—See on :-; Isaiah 30:2. Pharaoh—the generic name of the kings of Egypt, as Cæsar was at Rome. The word in Egyptian means "king" [JOSEPHUS, Antiquities, 8.6,2]. Phra, "the sun," was the hieroglyphic symbol and title of the king. shadow—image from shelter against heat: protection (Psalms 121:5; Psalms 121:6). read more
The folly of seeking help from Egypt 30:1-7 read more
How ironic that God’s people thought they could find life in Egypt, which had historically been a place of death for them and from which they had fled formerly (cf. Exodus 1:22). Furthermore, they had done this without even consulting the Lord, a failure that had resulted in the Gibeonite compromise generations earlier (cf. Joshua 9:14). Rather than seeking safety under the shadow of the Almighty (Psalms 91:1), they had sought it under the shadow of Pharaoh."In Ashurbanipal’s late reign and in... read more
1-7. The Egyptian alliance is profitless. 8-11. The perversity of Judah, 12-17. and its disastrous consequences. 18-26. There is a glorious prospect for the repentant people. 27-33 But first Jehovah will destroy the Assyrian.1. Cover, etc.] seek pretence to conceal their designs (Isaiah 29:15). 4. Were.. came] RV ’are.. come’: the ambassadors of Judah go from place to place in Egypt seeking aid.Zoan (Gk. Tanis) and Hanes (Gk. Heracleopolis) were both cities in the Delta of the Nile. 5. Were... read more
(2) To strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh.—Literally, the fortress of Pharaoh, used as the symbol of his kingdom: This, then, was the course into which even Hezekiah had been led or driven, and it had been done without consulting Isaiah as the recognised prophet of Jehovah. For the “shadow of Egypt” see Note on Isaiah 18:1. read more
True Imperialism Isaiah 30:2 Many of the changes that time brings are on the surface of life. There is a certain stability at the heart of things. The great laws of life change not. The selfsame sunlight that put an end to Jacob's conflict with the angel gilds our joys and guides our toils Today. So is it with these human hearts of ours. So is it with the great common sentiments and necessities. Motives that swayed men's lives when the world was young can be traced in modern life. Life changes... read more
CHAPTER XIIIPOLITICS AND FAITHABOUT 720 B.C.Isaiah 30:1-33THIS prophecy of Isaiah rises out of circumstances a little more developed than those in which chapter 29 was composed. Sennacherib is still engaged with Babylon, and it seems that it will yet be long before he marches his armies upon Syria. But Isaiah’s warning has at last roused the politicians of Judah from their carelessness. We need not suppose that they believed all that Isaiah predicted about the dire siege which Jerusalem should... read more
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Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Isaiah 30:1-33
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