Isaiah 14:30

30 And the firstborn of ¹the poor will graze, and ²the needy lie down in safety; but I will kill your root with famine, and your remnant it will slay.

Isaiah 14:30 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 14:30

And the firstborn of the poor shall feed
That is, the Jews, who were brought very low in the times of Ahaz, reduced to the greatest straits and difficulties; for so the word "firstborn" may signify the chief, or those who were of all the poorest, and in the greatest distress; these, in the times of Hezekiah, shall enjoy abundance of good things, and under his gentle government shall feed like a flock of sheep in good pastures; this signifying, that though he should be like a serpent, harmful to his enemies, yet should be kind and tender unto, and take great care of his own subjects, and under whom they should have great plenty and prosperity: and the needy shall lie down in safety;
like a flock of sheep, secure from beasts of prey, under the care of a faithful and vigilant shepherd; this shows that the Jews should not only have plenty of good things, but should live in the greatest security, without fear of any enemy, or danger from them: and I will kill thy root with famine;
this is said to Palestine, compared to a tree, whose root is dried up for want of moisture, and so dies; and the meaning is, that a sore famine should rage in their country, and utterly destroy them: and he shall slay thy remnant:
that is, Hezekiah should slay with the sword those that were left of the famine.

Isaiah 14:30 In-Context

28 In the year that King Ahaz died came this oracle:

29 Rejoice not, O Philistia, all of you, that the rod that struck you is broken, for from the serpent’s root will come forth an adder, and its fruit will be a flying fiery serpent.

30 And the firstborn of the poor will graze, and the needy lie down in safety; but I will kill your root with famine, and your remnant it will slay.

31 Wail, O gate; cry out, O city; melt in fear, O Philistia, all of you! For smoke comes out of the north, and there is no straggler in his ranks.

32 What will one answer the messengers of the nation? “The Lord has founded Zion, and in her the afflicted of his people find refuge. ”

Cross References

• 1. 14:30 [ch. 29:19; Zeph. 3:12]
• 2. 14:30 [ch. 29:19; Zeph. 3:12]