Isaiah 30

CHAPTER 30

Woe to the obstinate Nation (30:1–33)

1–5 The occasion for this third woe is clearly indicated by Isaiah: the leaders of Jerusalem under King Hezekiah were seeking to make an alliance with Egypt in order to defend themselves against Assyria (2 Kings 18:19–21). Isaiah was greatly opposed to this, saying that Judah should put its trust in God and not in Egypt; he warned of disastrous results if this alliance with Egypt was pursued¹³² (verses 3–5).

6–7 Already envoys from Judah were carrying riches (gifts) to the Egyptians in order to buy their protection (verse 6). They were traveling secretly through the Negev, the desert wasteland south of Judah. Isaiah again states that the help of Egypt will prove utterly useless (verse 7); he gives Egypt the nickname Rahab the Do-Nothing.¹³³

8–11 Isaiah is told to write it (Egypt’s nickname—or the entire oracle) on a tablet; thus it will serve as a permanent witness against Judah’s rebellious people (verses 8–9). The people reject the seers and prophets sent by God; they only hear what they want—pleasant things (verse 10). This is true of most of us today: we choose to hear what pleases us. We pass over the “hard” teachings of the Bible; we focus on God’s promises and ignore His commands.

12–14 Because the people of Judah have rejected Isaiah’s message and relied on oppression and deceit (verse 12), Judah will be punished. “Oppression and deceit” constituted the “wall” Judah had built to ensure its safety; but that wall would one day come crashing down. The people wouldn’t even notice the growing “cracks” and “bulges” until it was too late.¹³⁴ So totally would the wall be destroyed that none of its fragments would be big enough to even use as a scoop!¹³⁵ (verse 14).

15–17 The Lord, through Isaiah, tells the people of Judah that their salvation (deliverance) lies in repentance and rest—that is, quiet trust (verse 15); but they will have none of it. Instead, they trust in their horses (verse 16). But their enemies will pursue them; even one enemy will cause a thousand to flee. In the end, there will be nothing left of Judah but a lonely flagstaff on a hill (verse 17).

18–22 Suddenly, as so often happens in Isaiah’s prophecies, the tone shifts: God doesn’t take pleasure in judging His people; He longs to be gracious (verse 18). But sometimes we must wait for His grace and mercy to be manifested; punishment for sin must come first.

Then, in verses 19–22, Isaiah describes the blessings that will come upon the people of Judah when their time of punishment (the Exile) is over.¹³⁶ They will weep no more (see Isaiah 25:8); God will answer them when they cry for help (verse 19). He will guide them with His voice—the prompting of His Holy Spirit (verse 21). Instead of rejecting God, they will now hear God¹³⁷ and throw away their idols (verse 22).

23–26 Isaiah goes on to promise that the people of Judah will once more receive the covenant blessings Moses promised them (Leviticus 26:3–13). In the day of great slaughter—the day their enemies fall—streams will flow down from the mountains to water the land below (verse 25). Even the sun and moon will shine brighter¹³⁸ (verse 26).

27–33 In these verses, Isaiah describes God’s judgment of Assyria. Isaiah sees the Name—the person, the manifestation—of the Lord coming in the storm with thunder and fire and clouds of smoke (verses 27,30). Here we see God coming as Judge to punish the enemies of His people.¹³⁹ And even as God’s judgment is being carried out, His people are rejoicing (verses 29,32). They rejoice not with pride and gloating but with gladness that evil has been overcome and the righteous have been vindicated. Even as their enemies are being destroyed, God’s people are being 29,32). They rejoice not with pride and gloating but with gladness that evil has been overcome and the righteous have been vindicated. Even as their enemies are being destroyed, God’s people are being saved.¹⁴⁰