ISAIAH—NOTE ON ISAIAH 30:1 AH. See note on 28:1. AN ALLIANCE. Judah, under threat from Assyria, negotiates a defense pact with Egypt (see Isaiah 36:6). But God had already promised to defend his people, while Egypt offers only death (see Isaiah 28:14). WHO CARRY OUT A PLAN, BUT NOT MINE. The Lord re... [ Continue Reading ]
ISAIAH—NOTE ON ISAIAH 30:2 WHO SET OUT TO GO DOWN TO EGYPT. Representatives of Judah travel to Egypt to buy protection. Ironically, they return to their original oppressor (see Exodus 1:8). ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
ISAIAH—NOTE ON ISAIAH 30:6 Isaiah mocks the Judeans carrying payment to the court of Egypt. RAHAB WHO SITS STILL. For Rahab as a poetical name for Egypt, see Psalms 87:4. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
ISAIAH—NOTE ON ISAIAH 30:9 Isaiah’s generation feared Assyrian aggression. The prophet understands that the real threat to them is their unwillingness to hear God’s saving word. SMOOTH THINGS... ILLUSIONS. For the false prophets’ message in Judah, see Jeremiah 14:13; Ezekiel 13:10; Micah 3:5. The pe... [ Continue Reading ]
ISAIAH—NOTE ON ISAIAH 30:15 Isaiah gets to the heart of the matter. With the authority of THE LORD GOD, THE HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL, the secret of Judah’s strength has been revealed. It comes IN RETURNING (or repentance, see esv footnote) AND REST... IN QUIETNESS AND IN TRUST. This is the true path to vi... [ Continue Reading ]
ISAIAH—NOTE ON ISAIAH 30:18 THEREFORE THE LORD WAITS TO BE GRACIOUS TO YOU. Note the amazing logic of grace: God’s people forsake him for a false salvation (vv. Isaiah 30:1); therefore, he is gracious to them (v. Isaiah 30:18). But he waits, for THE LORD IS A GOD OF JUSTICE, that is, he knows the pe... [ Continue Reading ]
ISAIAH—NOTE ON ISAIAH 30:20 YOUR TEACHER. Contrast v. Isaiah 30:9. THIS IS THE WAY, WALK IN IT. Contrast v. Isaiah 30:11. Isaiah foresees the law of the new covenant, written on the heart (see Jeremiah 31:31; Ezekiel 36:25), and the guidance of each believer by the Holy Spirit (see Roman [ Continue Reading ]
ISAIAH—NOTE ON ISAIAH 30:23 AND HE WILL... Isaiah foresees the messianic kingdom (see Deuteronomy 28:1). The details suggest the glorious reality and fullness of the blessing. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
ISAIAH—NOTE ON ISAIAH 30:32 HE WILL FIGHT. God himself will fight for Judah. His people’s role is simply to celebrate with TAMBOURINES AND LYRES (see Exodus 15:19; 1 Samuel 18:6). ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.lengt [ Continue Reading ]