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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

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

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 30:1-7

Going down into Egypt. The prophet of Jehovah utters another "woe," he denounces another sin; for the people of the Lord, in the day of their difficulty, have looked, not to their Divine Redeemer, but to that arm of flesh in which they should not have trusted, and by which they will be abandoned. We see— I. THEIR SIN . It is threefold. 1. Desertion of God . They take counsel, but not now of God, as in better days ( Joshua 7:6 ; 20:27 ; 1 Samuel 23:2 ; 1 Samuel 30:8 );... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 30:4

His princes were at Zoan . "Zoan" is undoubtedly Tanis, which is now "San," a heap of ruins in the Delta, where some interesting remains of the shepherd-kings have been discovered. It was a favorite capital of the monarchs of the nineteenth dynasty, and seems to have been the scene of the struggle between Moses and the Pharaoh of the Exodus ( Psalms 78:12 , Psalms 78:43 ). It then declined, but is said to have been the birthplace of the first king of the twenty-first dynasty. In the... read more

Albert Barnes

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

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Isaiah 30:1-5

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

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