Isaiah 30:2

2 They go to Egypt without asking me. They look for shelter under Pharaoh's protection and look for refuge in Egypt's shadow.

Isaiah 30:2 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 30:2

That walk to go down into Egypt
That walk out of their own land to go thither; who sent messengers thither to form an alliance, and get help and assistance, or went in person, to secure themselves from present danger. Jarchi refers this to the times of Hoshea, the son of Elah, king of Israel, who sent messengers to So, king of Egypt, ( 2 Kings 17:4 ) . Jerom to the times of Jeremiah, to the history in his prophecy, ( Jeremiah 41:17 ) and others to Zedekiah. Kimchi thinks it respects the time of Ahaz, though there is no account, either in the books of Kings or Chronicles, of sending then to Egypt for help; or else to the times of Hezekiah himself; which latter is right, as appears from the insults of Rabshakeh, when Sennacherib's army was before Jerusalem, ( Isaiah 36:6 ) : and have not asked at my mouth:
or as the Targum,

``the words of my prophets they have not asked;''

they did not inquire of the prophets of the Lord, whether they should go down or not: to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh;
by making an alliance with him, and receiving men and horses from him, to assist them against the Assyrians; this Pharaoh was he whom the Scriptures call So, ( 2 Kings 17:4 ) and by other writers, Sevechus and Sethon: and to trust in the shadow of Egypt;
the protection that would afford them, in which they placed their confidence, and thought themselves safe from their other enemy, by having so powerful an ally; but this was but a shadow, as are whatsoever men trust in short of the Lord himself, be they riches or righteousness, or any creature or creature enjoyment.

Isaiah 30:2 In-Context

1 The LORD declares, "How horrible it will be for those rebellious children. They carry out plans, but not mine. They make alliances against my will. They pile sin on top of sin.

2 They go to Egypt without asking me. They look for shelter under Pharaoh's protection and look for refuge in Egypt's shadow.

3 But Pharaoh's protection will be their shame, and the refuge in Egypt's shadow will be their disgrace.

4 Although Pharaoh's officials are in Zoan and his messengers have reached Hanes,

5 the people of Judah will be put to shame because that nation can't help them. That nation can't give aid or help to them. It can only offer shame and disgrace."