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Isaiah 30:1
Verse
Context
The Worthless Treaty with Egypt
1“Woe to the rebellious children,” declares the LORD, “to those who carry out a plan that is not Mine, who form an alliance, but against My will, heaping up sin upon sin. 2They set out to go down to Egypt without asking My advice, to seek shelter under Pharaoh’s protection and take refuge in Egypt’s shade.
Sermons
David WilkersonDavid WilkersonDavid Wilkerson
C.H. Spurgeon
Bill McLeod
Erlo Stegen
Phil Beach Jr.Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And that cover with a covering "Who ratify covenants" - Hebrews "Who pour out a libation." Sacrifice and libation were ceremonies constantly used, in ancient times by most nations in the ratifying of covenants: a libation therefore is used for a covenant, as in Greek the word σπονδη, for the same reason, stands for both. This seems to be the most easy explication of the Hebrew phrase, and it has the authority of the Septuagint, εποιησατε συνθηκας.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Woe to the rebellious children, saith the Lord,.... The Jews, who were, by national adoption, and by outward profession of religion, the "children" of God, but were apostates from him, had turned their backs upon him, deviated from his law, and departed from his worship and ordinances; and therefore a woe is pronounced against them, or they are called upon to consider of their evil ways, and return, that iniquity might not be their ruin: that take counsel, but not of me; they met and consulted together about their safety, when in danger, but did not ask counsel of the Lord; they did not consult his word, nor his prophets, nor by Urim and Thummim, as in case of war they should more especially: and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit; they sought for a cover, a shelter, a protection from the enemy, but not from the Spirit of the Lord, in his word and prophets, who would have directed them to a more suitable and sufficient one. Kimchi understands this of their covert and secret counsels, which they laid deep, as they fancied, and sought to hide. The Targum of the former clause and this is, "that take counsel, but not of my word; that consult a consultation, but do not ask of my prophets:'' that they may add sin to sin; the sins of consulting others, and of putting confidence in a creature, to their other sins of rebellion and apostasy: so wicked men, who are enemies in their minds, by wicked works, to God, and commit acts of hostility against him, and are in danger thereby of eternal ruin, do not consult the word and ministers of the Gospel, but flesh and blood, carnal sense and reason, and seek to cover themselves with the rags of their own righteousness, and not with the robe of Christ's righteousness, and garments of salvation, which the Spirit of God reveals and brings near; and so to their other sins they add that of trusting to their own righteousness, and not submitting to Christ's.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
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, Ch2 16:2, Ch2 16:3. Against the Syrians they sought to the Assyrians, Kg2 16:7. Against the Assyrians they here sought to the Egyptians, and Rabshakeh upbraided them with so doing, Kg2 18:21. Now observe here, I. How this sin of theirs is described, and what there was in it that was provoking to God. When they saw themselves in danger and distress, 1. They would not consult God. They would do things of their own heads, and not advise with God, though they had a ready and certain way of doing it by Urim or prophets. They were so confident of the prudence of their own measures that they thought it needless to consult the oracle; nay, they were not willing to put it to that issue: "They take counsel among themselves, and one from another; but they do not ask counsel, much less will they take counsel, of me. They cover with a covering" (they think to secure themselves with one shelter or other, which may serve to cover them from the violence of the storm), "but not of my Spirit" (not such as God by his Spirit, in the mouth of his prophets, directed them to), "and therefore it will prove too short a covering, and a refuge of lies." 2. They could not confide in God. They did not think it enough to have God on their side, nor were they at all solicitous to make him their friend, but they strengthened themselves in the strength of Pharaoh; they thought him a powerful ally, and doubted not but to be able to cope with the Assyrian while they had him for them. The shadow of Egypt (and it was but a shadow) was the covering in which they wrapped themselves. II. What was the evil of this sin. 1. It bespoke them rebellious children; and a woe is here denounced against them under that character, Isa 30:1. They were, in profession, God's children; but, not trusting in him, they were justly stigmatized as rebellious; for, if we distrust God's providence, we do in effect withdraw ourselves from our allegiance. 2. They added sin to sin. It was sin that brought them into distress; and then, instead of repenting, they trespassed yet more against the Lord, Ch2 28:22. And those that had abused God's mercies to them, making them the fuel of their lusts, abused their afflictions too, making them an excuse for their distrust of God; and so they make bad worse, and add sin to sin; and those that do so, as they make their own chain heavy, so it is just with God to make their plagues wonderful. Now that which aggravated their sin was, (1.) That they took so much pains to secure the Egyptians for their allies: They walk to go down to Egypt, travel up and down to find an advantageous road thither; but they have not asked at my mouth, never considered whether God would allow and approve of it or no. (2.) That they were at such a vast expense to do it, Isa 30:6. They load the beasts of the south (horses fetched from Egypt, which lay south from Judea) with their riches, fancying, as it is common with people in a fright, that they were safer any where than where they were. Or they sent their riches thither as bribes to Pharaoh's courtiers, to engage them in their interests, or as pay for their army. God would have helped them gratis; but, if they will have help from the Egyptians, they must pay dearly for it, and they seem willing to do so. The riches that are so spent will turn to a bad account. They carried their effects to Egypt through a land (so it may be read) of trouble and anguish, that vast howling wilderness which lay between Canaan and Egypt, whence come the lion and fiery serpent, Deu 8:15. They would venture through that dangerous wilderness, to bring what they had to Egypt. Or it may be meant of Egypt itself, which had been to Israel a house of bondage and therefore a land of trouble and anguish, and which abounded in ravenous and venomous creatures. See what dangers men run into that forsake God, and what dangers they will run into in pursuance of their carnal confidences and their expectations from the creature. III. What would be the consequence of it. 1. The Egyptians would receive their ambassadors, would address them very respectfully, and be willing to treat with them (Isa 30:4): His princes were at Zoan, at Pharaoh's court there, and had their audience of the king, who encouraged them to depend upon his friendship and the succours he would send them. But, 2. They would not answer their expectation: They could not profit them, Isa 30:5. For God says, They shall not profit them (Isa 30:6), and every creature is that to us (and no more) which he makes it to be. The forces they were to furnish them with could not be raised in time; or, when they were raised, they were not fit for service, and they would not venture any of their veteran troops in the expedition; or the march was so long that they could not come up when they had occasion for them; or the Egyptians would not be cordial to Israel, but would secretly incline to the Assyrians, upon some account or other: The Egyptians shall help in vain, and to no purpose, Isa 30:7. They shall hinder and hurt, instead of helping. And therefore, 3. These people, that were now so fond of the Egyptians, would at length be ashamed of them, and of all their expectations from them and confidence in them (Isa 30:3): "The strength of Pharaoh, which was your pride, shall be your shame; all your neighbours will upbraid you, and you will upbraid yourselves, with your folly in trusting to it. And the shadow of Egypt, that land shadowing with wings (Isa 18:1), which was your confidence, shall be your confusion; it will not only disappoint you, and be the matter of your shame, but it will weaken all your other supports, and be an occasion of mischief to you." God afterwards threatens the ruin of Egypt for this very thing, because they had dealt treacherously with Israel and been a staff of a reed to them, Eze 29:6, Eze 29:7. The princes and ambassadors of Israel, who were so forward to court an alliance with them, when they come among them shall see so much of their weakness, or rather of their baseness, that they shall all be ashamed of a people that could not be a help or profit to them, but a shame and reproach, Isa 30:5. Those that trust in God, in his power, providence, and promise, are never made ashamed of their hope; but those that put confidence in any creature will sooner or later find it a reproach to them. God is true, and may be trusted, but every man a liar, and must be suspected. The Creator is a rock of ages, the creature a broken reed. We cannot expect too little from man nor too much from God. IV. The use and application of all this (Isa 30:7): "Therefore have I cried concerning this matter, this project of theirs. I have published it, that all might take notice of it. I have pressed it as one in earnest. Their strength is to sit still, in a humble dependence upon God and his goodness and a quiet submission to his will, and not to wander about and put themselves to great trouble to seek help from this and the other creature." If we sit still in a day of distress, hoping and quietly waiting for the salvation of the Lord, and using only lawful regular methods for our own preservation, this will be the strength of our souls both for services and sufferings, and it will engage divine strength for us. We weaken ourselves, and provoke God to withdraw from us, when we make flesh our arm, for then our hearts depart from the Lord. When we have tired ourselves by seeking for help from creatures we shall find it the best way of recruiting ourselves to repose in the Creator. Here I am, let him do with me as he pleases.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
30:1-33 After threatening Judah with judgment because of their stubbornness and their reliance on Egypt (30:1-17), God again committed himself to deal compassionately with his people and to break the power of their enemies. 30:1-5 This prophecy was against Judah’s dependence on Egypt. It is the fourth of the six woes (see study note on 28:1–33:24). 30:1 The wisdom of the people of Judah was not directed by God’s Spirit (cp. 11:2); instead, they had formed alliances that God did not approve of. Although the Assyrian attack on Jerusalem was overwhelming, making an alliance with Egypt demonstrated that the leaders of Judah depended on human resources for their protection rather than on God. Fortunately, Hezekiah later had a change of heart (see chs 36–37).
Isaiah 30:1
The Worthless Treaty with Egypt
1“Woe to the rebellious children,” declares the LORD, “to those who carry out a plan that is not Mine, who form an alliance, but against My will, heaping up sin upon sin. 2They set out to go down to Egypt without asking My advice, to seek shelter under Pharaoh’s protection and take refuge in Egypt’s shade.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Secret of Spiritual Strength
By David Wilkerson5.5K1:01:18PSA 121:1ISA 30:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking God's guidance and counsel in times of crisis. He highlights the story of King David, who sought God's direction before making any decisions. The preacher encourages the congregation to rely on prayer and trust in God rather than seeking advice from others. He emphasizes that God's plans are always surprising and beyond human understanding. The sermon concludes with a reminder that returning to God and finding rest in Him is the key to salvation and peace.
(Poland) the Capacity to Be Stirred
By David Wilkerson5.5K57:07StirredISA 30:1ISA 30:9HAG 2:18MAT 16:24REV 20:11In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of witnessing the hardships of communism in Poland. He recalls the scarcity of goods in the grocery stores and the long queues for basic necessities. The speaker's wife's act of kindness towards a little girl with a piece of chocolate serves as a reminder of neglecting God's house. The speaker emphasizes the importance of prioritizing God's work and staying close to Christ, warning against being consumed by the love of worldly things. The sermon concludes with a message of hope and blessing for those who choose to put God first.
Audio Sermon: The Great Apostasy 1986
By David Wilkerson2.2K1:15:34ISA 30:1
This sermon addresses the great apostasy, emphasizing the need for repentance and turning back to God. The speaker highlights the dangers of falling away from the faith, the lure of worldly idols, and the importance of seeking the Lord with a sincere heart. The message warns of a coming collapse of ministries that reject repentance but offers hope for a remnant who long for God and trust in His provision during times of calamity.
Words of Expostulation
By C.H. Spurgeon1.7K42:14EXO 14:12PSA 42:1ISA 30:1JER 18:15ROM 2:15EPH 4:30HEB 10:29In this sermon, the preacher begins by describing a vision of a great feast where armies have met and there has been a terrible slaughter. He relates this vision to the spiritual battle between sin and righteousness. The preacher then shares his personal experience of being a captive to sin and the bitterness he felt under the law. He also acknowledges the struggles and desperation that many in the audience may have faced in their own journey towards salvation. The sermon concludes with a call to self-examination and a plea for the Holy Spirit to convict and transform the hearts of the listeners.
Righteousness Imputed and Imparted
By Bill McLeod1.4K40:38RighteousnessNUM 32:23PSA 90:8PSA 139:23PRO 5:22PRO 14:14ISA 30:1ROM 5:17In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about a woman who felt restless and missed her husband when he was gone. She couldn't sleep and in her desperation, she knelt by the bed and surrendered herself to God. The speaker emphasizes the power of seeing the hands of Jesus, which can break a person and lead them to surrender their all to Him. The sermon also highlights the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross and how God could not look upon Him because of the sin He bore. The speaker encourages listeners to fully commit their lives to God and seek Him with all their hearts.
Obtaining Pardon From God
By Erlo Stegen1.1K1:09:25PardonGEN 3:9PSA 90:8PSA 91:1PRO 28:13ISA 30:1ISA 30:9EPH 5:11In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a woman who had a dream of seeing people in hell, which led to her brother's conversion and becoming a pastor. The brother's church saw a large number of children attending Sunday school. The speaker emphasizes the importance of surrendering one's life to the Lord and not hiding from Him. They also highlight the idea that sin is like a chain, with one sin leading to another. The sermon references the story of Adam and Eve hiding from God and the words of Jesus in John 3:20 about those who do evil hating the light.
Gods Provision During Judgment
By Phil Beach Jr.1835:23God's ProvisionSpiritual AwakeningProvisionISA 30:1Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes God's unwavering provision during times of judgment, drawing from Isaiah 30 to illustrate the contrast between the world's reliance on false security and the refuge found in God. He highlights the pervasive spirit of rebellion and lawlessness in society, urging believers to return to God for strength and clarity amidst the shaking of the world. Beach reassures that while God's judgment may bring discomfort, it ultimately leads to spiritual awakening and a deeper reliance on Him. He encourages the congregation to trust in God's promises, reminding them that true strength and peace come from returning to Him, especially in turbulent times.
"We'll Do It on Our Own"
By David Wilkerson0Rebellion Against GodTrusting GodPSA 32:8PSA 57:1PSA 63:7PRO 3:5ISA 30:1ISA 41:10JER 29:11MAT 6:33PHP 4:6JAS 1:5David Wilkerson emphasizes the danger of self-reliance and rebellion against God, as illustrated by Isaiah's warning to Israel. He explains that true rebellion is not just overt sins but the refusal to seek God's guidance in all aspects of life, leading to a reliance on human wisdom. Wilkerson highlights the grief God feels when His people act independently, forgetting to consult Him in their plans. He encourages believers to trust in God's timing and wisdom, reminding them of the refuge and joy found in reliance on the Lord. The sermon calls for a return to seeking God's counsel in every situation.
The Power God Recognizes
By A.W. Tozer0Divine PowerThe Holy SpiritISA 30:1ZEC 4:6JHN 14:26ACT 1:8ROM 8:26A.W. Tozer emphasizes the critical role of the Holy Spirit in the life of the church, lamenting the neglect of His presence among evangelical Christians. He contrasts the powerful, creative work of the Spirit as depicted in Scripture with the diminished role He plays in contemporary Christianity, where human intellect and personality often overshadow divine influence. Tozer warns that the only power recognized by God is that of His Spirit, while many church leaders rely on their own abilities. He calls for a return to recognizing the Holy Spirit's majesty and power, urging believers to seek divine intervention rather than relying solely on human effort.
Homily 3 on the Statues
By St. John Chrysostom0GEN 1:26GEN 42:21ISA 30:1HOS 8:4JOL 1:17MAT 15:17MAT 18:32JHN 10:11John Chrysostom preaches about the departure of Flavian, Bishop of Antioch, on an embassy to the Emperor Theodosius, emphasizing the sacrifice and dedication of a true shepherd who risks his life for his flock. He discusses the dignity of the priesthood, the essence of true fasting, the severity of slander, and the importance of seeking mercy and forgiveness. Chrysostom addresses the unjust deaths due to sedition, urging for mercy and compassion towards those who have erred, and emphasizes the need for repentance and a change of heart to avert further calamities.
The Key to Being Carefree - Philippians 4:4-7
By Jon Courson0ISA 30:1LUK 11:11ROM 15:30PHP 4:6Jon Courson delivers a sermon on the story of Hezekiah facing the threat of the Assyrian army, highlighting the importance of turning to God in times of crisis rather than seeking worldly solutions. He emphasizes the power of prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving in Philippians 4:6, encouraging believers to trust in God's answers even if they differ from our desires. Through the example of Hezekiah's faith and surrender, Courson illustrates the transformative impact of resting in God's peace and leaving our burdens at His feet.
Resisting the Holy Ghost
By Aaron Hills0ISA 30:1A. M. Hills, President of Texas Holiness University, delivered a powerful sermon at Salvation Park Camp-meeting in 1905, focusing on resisting the Holy Ghost. He highlighted historical examples of individuals resisting God's guidance, emphasizing the consequences of rejecting the Holy Spirit's leading. Hills urged the audience to heed the Holy Ghost's call, warning against resisting God's will, especially in areas of sanctification, obedience, and holiness. He shared poignant stories of individuals who faced tragic outcomes due to resisting the Holy Ghost, stressing the importance of yielding to God's direction and not making light of spiritual matters.
Vision - Acts 10:9-20
By Jon Courson0EXO 3:3PRO 29:18ISA 30:1ISA 42:6JER 32:6MAT 26:40ACT 10:10Jon Courson preaches on how God motivates individuals through visions when He wants to do something new or special. He uses examples like Moses being called through a burning bush and Paul being called through a vision of a man from Macedonia. In Acts 10, God prepares Peter's heart through a vision to bring salvation to the Gentiles, highlighting the importance of having vision in our lives, families, ministries, and country. The sermon emphasizes the three steps to receiving vision: preparation, illumination, and confirmation.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And that cover with a covering "Who ratify covenants" - Hebrews "Who pour out a libation." Sacrifice and libation were ceremonies constantly used, in ancient times by most nations in the ratifying of covenants: a libation therefore is used for a covenant, as in Greek the word σπονδη, for the same reason, stands for both. This seems to be the most easy explication of the Hebrew phrase, and it has the authority of the Septuagint, εποιησατε συνθηκας.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Woe to the rebellious children, saith the Lord,.... The Jews, who were, by national adoption, and by outward profession of religion, the "children" of God, but were apostates from him, had turned their backs upon him, deviated from his law, and departed from his worship and ordinances; and therefore a woe is pronounced against them, or they are called upon to consider of their evil ways, and return, that iniquity might not be their ruin: that take counsel, but not of me; they met and consulted together about their safety, when in danger, but did not ask counsel of the Lord; they did not consult his word, nor his prophets, nor by Urim and Thummim, as in case of war they should more especially: and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit; they sought for a cover, a shelter, a protection from the enemy, but not from the Spirit of the Lord, in his word and prophets, who would have directed them to a more suitable and sufficient one. Kimchi understands this of their covert and secret counsels, which they laid deep, as they fancied, and sought to hide. The Targum of the former clause and this is, "that take counsel, but not of my word; that consult a consultation, but do not ask of my prophets:'' that they may add sin to sin; the sins of consulting others, and of putting confidence in a creature, to their other sins of rebellion and apostasy: so wicked men, who are enemies in their minds, by wicked works, to God, and commit acts of hostility against him, and are in danger thereby of eternal ruin, do not consult the word and ministers of the Gospel, but flesh and blood, carnal sense and reason, and seek to cover themselves with the rags of their own righteousness, and not with the robe of Christ's righteousness, and garments of salvation, which the Spirit of God reveals and brings near; and so to their other sins they add that of trusting to their own righteousness, and not submitting to Christ's.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
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, Ch2 16:2, Ch2 16:3. Against the Syrians they sought to the Assyrians, Kg2 16:7. Against the Assyrians they here sought to the Egyptians, and Rabshakeh upbraided them with so doing, Kg2 18:21. Now observe here, I. How this sin of theirs is described, and what there was in it that was provoking to God. When they saw themselves in danger and distress, 1. They would not consult God. They would do things of their own heads, and not advise with God, though they had a ready and certain way of doing it by Urim or prophets. They were so confident of the prudence of their own measures that they thought it needless to consult the oracle; nay, they were not willing to put it to that issue: "They take counsel among themselves, and one from another; but they do not ask counsel, much less will they take counsel, of me. They cover with a covering" (they think to secure themselves with one shelter or other, which may serve to cover them from the violence of the storm), "but not of my Spirit" (not such as God by his Spirit, in the mouth of his prophets, directed them to), "and therefore it will prove too short a covering, and a refuge of lies." 2. They could not confide in God. They did not think it enough to have God on their side, nor were they at all solicitous to make him their friend, but they strengthened themselves in the strength of Pharaoh; they thought him a powerful ally, and doubted not but to be able to cope with the Assyrian while they had him for them. The shadow of Egypt (and it was but a shadow) was the covering in which they wrapped themselves. II. What was the evil of this sin. 1. It bespoke them rebellious children; and a woe is here denounced against them under that character, Isa 30:1. They were, in profession, God's children; but, not trusting in him, they were justly stigmatized as rebellious; for, if we distrust God's providence, we do in effect withdraw ourselves from our allegiance. 2. They added sin to sin. It was sin that brought them into distress; and then, instead of repenting, they trespassed yet more against the Lord, Ch2 28:22. And those that had abused God's mercies to them, making them the fuel of their lusts, abused their afflictions too, making them an excuse for their distrust of God; and so they make bad worse, and add sin to sin; and those that do so, as they make their own chain heavy, so it is just with God to make their plagues wonderful. Now that which aggravated their sin was, (1.) That they took so much pains to secure the Egyptians for their allies: They walk to go down to Egypt, travel up and down to find an advantageous road thither; but they have not asked at my mouth, never considered whether God would allow and approve of it or no. (2.) That they were at such a vast expense to do it, Isa 30:6. They load the beasts of the south (horses fetched from Egypt, which lay south from Judea) with their riches, fancying, as it is common with people in a fright, that they were safer any where than where they were. Or they sent their riches thither as bribes to Pharaoh's courtiers, to engage them in their interests, or as pay for their army. God would have helped them gratis; but, if they will have help from the Egyptians, they must pay dearly for it, and they seem willing to do so. The riches that are so spent will turn to a bad account. They carried their effects to Egypt through a land (so it may be read) of trouble and anguish, that vast howling wilderness which lay between Canaan and Egypt, whence come the lion and fiery serpent, Deu 8:15. They would venture through that dangerous wilderness, to bring what they had to Egypt. Or it may be meant of Egypt itself, which had been to Israel a house of bondage and therefore a land of trouble and anguish, and which abounded in ravenous and venomous creatures. See what dangers men run into that forsake God, and what dangers they will run into in pursuance of their carnal confidences and their expectations from the creature. III. What would be the consequence of it. 1. The Egyptians would receive their ambassadors, would address them very respectfully, and be willing to treat with them (Isa 30:4): His princes were at Zoan, at Pharaoh's court there, and had their audience of the king, who encouraged them to depend upon his friendship and the succours he would send them. But, 2. They would not answer their expectation: They could not profit them, Isa 30:5. For God says, They shall not profit them (Isa 30:6), and every creature is that to us (and no more) which he makes it to be. The forces they were to furnish them with could not be raised in time; or, when they were raised, they were not fit for service, and they would not venture any of their veteran troops in the expedition; or the march was so long that they could not come up when they had occasion for them; or the Egyptians would not be cordial to Israel, but would secretly incline to the Assyrians, upon some account or other: The Egyptians shall help in vain, and to no purpose, Isa 30:7. They shall hinder and hurt, instead of helping. And therefore, 3. These people, that were now so fond of the Egyptians, would at length be ashamed of them, and of all their expectations from them and confidence in them (Isa 30:3): "The strength of Pharaoh, which was your pride, shall be your shame; all your neighbours will upbraid you, and you will upbraid yourselves, with your folly in trusting to it. And the shadow of Egypt, that land shadowing with wings (Isa 18:1), which was your confidence, shall be your confusion; it will not only disappoint you, and be the matter of your shame, but it will weaken all your other supports, and be an occasion of mischief to you." God afterwards threatens the ruin of Egypt for this very thing, because they had dealt treacherously with Israel and been a staff of a reed to them, Eze 29:6, Eze 29:7. The princes and ambassadors of Israel, who were so forward to court an alliance with them, when they come among them shall see so much of their weakness, or rather of their baseness, that they shall all be ashamed of a people that could not be a help or profit to them, but a shame and reproach, Isa 30:5. Those that trust in God, in his power, providence, and promise, are never made ashamed of their hope; but those that put confidence in any creature will sooner or later find it a reproach to them. God is true, and may be trusted, but every man a liar, and must be suspected. The Creator is a rock of ages, the creature a broken reed. We cannot expect too little from man nor too much from God. IV. The use and application of all this (Isa 30:7): "Therefore have I cried concerning this matter, this project of theirs. I have published it, that all might take notice of it. I have pressed it as one in earnest. Their strength is to sit still, in a humble dependence upon God and his goodness and a quiet submission to his will, and not to wander about and put themselves to great trouble to seek help from this and the other creature." If we sit still in a day of distress, hoping and quietly waiting for the salvation of the Lord, and using only lawful regular methods for our own preservation, this will be the strength of our souls both for services and sufferings, and it will engage divine strength for us. We weaken ourselves, and provoke God to withdraw from us, when we make flesh our arm, for then our hearts depart from the Lord. When we have tired ourselves by seeking for help from creatures we shall find it the best way of recruiting ourselves to repose in the Creator. Here I am, let him do with me as he pleases.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
30:1-33 After threatening Judah with judgment because of their stubbornness and their reliance on Egypt (30:1-17), God again committed himself to deal compassionately with his people and to break the power of their enemies. 30:1-5 This prophecy was against Judah’s dependence on Egypt. It is the fourth of the six woes (see study note on 28:1–33:24). 30:1 The wisdom of the people of Judah was not directed by God’s Spirit (cp. 11:2); instead, they had formed alliances that God did not approve of. Although the Assyrian attack on Jerusalem was overwhelming, making an alliance with Egypt demonstrated that the leaders of Judah depended on human resources for their protection rather than on God. Fortunately, Hezekiah later had a change of heart (see chs 36–37).