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Isaiah 30:21
Verse
Context
God Will Be Gracious
20The Lord will give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, but your Teacher will no longer hide Himself—with your own eyes you will see Him.21And whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear this command behind you: “This is the way. Walk in it.”22So you will desecrate your silver-plated idols and your gold-plated images. You will throw them away like menstrual cloths, saying to them, “Be gone!”
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
When ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left "Turn not aside, to the right or to the left" - The Syriac Chaldee, and Vulgate, translate as if, instead of כי־וכי ki-vechi, they read לא־ולא lo-velo.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
word--conscience, guided by the Holy Spirit (Joh 16:13).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee,.... Which may be said in reference to the backsliding and declining state of the people, Isa 30:11 and is thought by some to be an allusion to schoolmasters, who stand behind their scholars, or at their backs, to guide, teach, and instruct them; and by others to shepherds following their flocks, who, when they observe any of the sheep going out of the way, call them back; or to travellers, who, coming to a place where are several ways, and being at a loss which way to take, and inclining to turn to the right or left, are called to by persons behind them, and directed in the right way. This "voice behind" is by the Jews (e) interpreted of Bath Kol; and by others of the voice of conscience; but it rather intends the Spirit of God, and his grace; though it seems best to understand it of the Scriptures of truth, the word of God, the only rule of faith and practice; the language of which is, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it; it directs to Christ the way, and who is the only way of life and salvation to be walked in by faith, and to all the lesser paths of duty and doctrine, which to walk in is both pleasant and profitable, and which is the right way; so the Targum paraphrases it, "this is the right way;'' to which agree the comments of Aben Ezra, Jarchi, and Kimchi; though the Arabic and Syriac versions, following the Septuagint, represent them as the words of seducers, directing to a wrong way: but the words are a promise of being led right, and not a threatening of being led wrong: when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left; through ignorance or inadvertency, through the prevalence of corruption, or force of temptation; and as it is promised there should be such a voice, so they should have ears to hear, their ears erect to attend to what is said, to observe it, and act according to it. (e) T. Bab. Megilla, fol. 32. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
30:21 The people’s own ears will hear and follow God’s instructions (see 6:9-10; 29:18; 35:5).
Isaiah 30:21
God Will Be Gracious
20The Lord will give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, but your Teacher will no longer hide Himself—with your own eyes you will see Him.21And whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear this command behind you: “This is the way. Walk in it.”22So you will desecrate your silver-plated idols and your gold-plated images. You will throw them away like menstrual cloths, saying to them, “Be gone!”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Sound of His Voice
By David Wilkerson4.4K58:13PSA 119:105PRO 3:5ISA 30:21MAT 6:33MAT 16:13JHN 5:19JHN 10:27In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of hearing and obeying the voice of God. He emphasizes that Jesus lived his life on earth completely dependent on the voice of the Lord, doing and saying only what he saw and heard from his Heavenly Father. The preacher encourages the congregation to follow Jesus' example and make time for prayer and seeking God daily. He gives the example of Cornelius, a devout layman who constantly prayed and received detailed instructions from God, which ultimately led to a significant impact on the early church.
A Call to Return to God
By A.W. Tozer4.1K51:07Return To GodISA 30:21LUK 4:27ROM 8:1ROM 8:282TI 3:16In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of God's word in our lives. He refers to a verse in the Bible that talks about God's promise to bring rivers to the mountains and streams to the hills for His people. The preacher believes that God will perform miracles for His people and make their lives brighter than ever before. He also discusses the tendency to overlook what is right with us and encourages the congregation to take time out to reflect on their spiritual state.
Religiosity or Spirituality - Listening to the Spirit
By Zac Poonen3.4K56:21ReligiosityISA 30:21MAT 6:33LUK 5:16LUK 10:38JHN 17:4In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding and fulfilling the specific work that God has given us. He uses Jesus as an example, highlighting how Jesus obediently completed the tasks assigned to him, including spending thirty years making stools and benches and preaching for three and a half years. The speaker also emphasizes the significance of spending time alone with God, drawing attention to Jesus' habit of going into the wilderness to pray early in the morning. The sermon concludes with the speaker encouraging listeners to prioritize hearing from God and being obedient to His word, even if it means sacrificing certain things or potentially offending others.
A Song of Degrees - Facing God
By A.W. Tozer2.9K39:42Song of DegreesPSA 121:1PSA 121:7ISA 30:21MAT 6:33In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of preservation and how it relates to our lives. He emphasizes that God is the ultimate preserver and that our actions of going out and coming in are significant in His eyes. The preacher also highlights the eternal nature of God and the importance of Christianity going beyond time. He criticizes the idea of religion being solely a social construct and emphasizes the individual relationship between each person and God.
Shekinah
By David Roper1.7K26:44GEN 12:1EXO 40:36PSA 32:8PRO 3:5ISA 30:21MAT 4:19In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of the Israelites being led by a cloud in the wilderness. He emphasizes that following God's will requires a willingness to go wherever He leads. The cloud symbolizes the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and the Israelites were explicitly following its movements. The speaker also highlights that following God's will may result in being misunderstood or scoffed at by others.
Recognizing the Voice of God
By Henry Blackaby1.6K1:02:05Voice Of GodDEU 30:11PSA 23:1PRO 3:5ISA 30:21MAT 18:12LUK 15:4JHN 10:3In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of recognizing the voice of God. He starts by referencing John 10:3-4, where Jesus describes himself as the shepherd and his followers as the sheep who know his voice. The speaker emphasizes the intimate familiarity that the sheep have with the shepherd and how they follow him wherever he goes. He then shares a story about a lost sheep and how the shepherd diligently searches for it, demonstrating the love and care of God for his wandering children. The speaker concludes by encouraging pastors, Sunday school teachers, deacons, and leaders to help those who have wandered away from God and may be hesitant to return due to fear of judgment.
First Baptist Church - Part 2
By Bill McLeod1.5K35:49Revival HistoryPSA 139:23ISA 30:21MAT 18:3MRK 10:14ACT 2:41ACT 4:31JAS 5:16In this sermon, the speaker shares powerful testimonies of transformation and revival in their church. They recount how one man, Martin Bucker, experienced a profound change of heart and returned to God after a moment of brokenness. Another testimony involves a young girl who confesses her previous dislike for old people but declares her newfound love for them, leading to a powerful encounter between her and an elderly woman. The speaker emphasizes that these transformations were not the result of counseling, but rather encounters with the living God through prayer and faith. The church experienced a radical transformation through biblical preaching and a focus on inviting children to participate. The speaker also mentions the importance of both preaching and sharing in the meetings, with only two nights dedicated solely to sharing. After each public meeting, smaller afterglow meetings were held for prayer and support for those convicted of sin.
Seven Bible Valleys
By Jack Hyles1.4K35:43Valley Times1SA 17:40PSA 23:4PSA 23:6ISA 30:21MAT 28:201PE 5:7In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of finding joy and delight in life and in church. They acknowledge that suffering and loneliness are also part of life, but they believe that God is always present in those difficult times. The speaker mentions four valleys in the Bible: the valley of sin, the valley of decision, the valley of suffering, and the valley of Eli. They highlight that no matter which valley we find ourselves in, God is there with us. The sermon concludes with a reminder that life is not always easy, but God's presence brings comfort and strength.
Esther Dowie's Death, Pt 2
By John Alexander Dowie1.2K02:24GEN 2:18PSA 4:8ISA 1:19ISA 30:21MAT 11:28JHN 14:271TH 4:13In this sermon, the speaker shares a heartfelt message to the audience. The speaker emphasizes the importance of loving and serving God wholeheartedly. They also encourage obedience to those in authority, as it is seen as a way to honor God. The speaker mentions a personal experience of forgiveness and expresses gratitude for God's mercy. The sermon concludes with a reminder to seek rest in Jesus and to follow the voice of God's servant.
Deferred Obedience 2 - Part 4
By Joshua Daniel1.1K04:26PRO 3:6ISA 30:21JOL 2:13LUK 15:10JAS 1:22This sermon emphasizes the urgency of obeying God and saving souls around us without delay, highlighting the consequences of deferred obedience and the need for repentance. It calls for a broken spirit of repentance and a plea for God's mercy upon individuals and nations. The message stresses the importance of not waiting to act but to be proactive in spreading God's righteousness and love to all. The prayer seeks restoration and erasure of past wrongs, asking for God's blessing and guidance in being agents of change in the world.
New Covenant- the First Body of Christ -Part 7
By Zac Poonen1.0K04:24PRO 3:5PRO 11:13PRO 16:9ISA 30:21MAT 1:19MAT 2:12MAT 2:19ROM 8:14This sermon focuses on the theme of righteousness as seen in the story of Joseph in Matthew chapters 1 and 2. It emphasizes the importance of not hastily judging or speaking evil about others, highlighting Joseph's righteous decision to protect Mary's reputation despite his initial misunderstanding. The sermon also discusses the supernatural guidance of God in Joseph's life and the wise men's journey, emphasizing the need for believers to listen and obey God's leading for the protection and building of the body of Christ.
Book of Acts Series - Part 27 | Don't Quit Now
By Jim Cymbala95934:26Book Of ActsISA 30:21ISA 53:5ACT 18:4ACT 18:9ROM 10:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not being afraid and continuing to talk about Jesus. He reminds the audience that the Holy Spirit is the ultimate teacher of the Bible and encourages them to pray for understanding. The preacher highlights the transformative power of the gospel and emphasizes that it is not about joining a church or adhering to a specific culture or doctrine. He urges the audience to boldly share the good news and not be discouraged by negative reactions. The sermon concludes with a reminder to be kind to others but also to actively share the plan of salvation and the message of Jesus.
Revival Before Revival
By Bill McLeod89857:48RevivalISA 30:21JOL 2:12ROM 8:14In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about a moment of surrender to God. He describes how he witnessed a stroke of lightning after struggling to surrender, which gave him the confidence to fully surrender. The speaker then talks about a man who bargained with God, saying he would only go into full-time service if called by the age of 30. The speaker emphasizes the importance of not being ashamed to talk about Jesus and encourages listeners to stir up the gift of God within them. He also shares a story about a man who experienced a transformation after repeatedly coming forward during a crusade and committing to daily evangelism. The speaker concludes by highlighting the importance of obeying God and taking action in order to see God's power at work.
God's Way
By Manley Beasley76446:37Will Of GodTrust and GuidanceGod's PresenceEXO 14:13PSA 16:11PSA 77:13PSA 139:7PRO 3:5ISA 30:21MAT 7:7JHN 14:6HEB 10:19JAS 1:5Manley Beasley shares a heartfelt message about finding certainty in God's presence amidst life's uncertainties. He reflects on his own journey of faith, emphasizing the importance of prayer and reliance on God, especially during challenging times. Beasley encourages listeners to seek God's presence as the source of guidance and clarity, illustrating this through biblical examples, particularly from Psalms and Exodus. He highlights that true victory and direction come from being in communion with God, urging everyone to trust in His ways. The sermon serves as a reminder that God's way is revealed in His presence, which is accessible to all believers.
Surviving the Anointing
By Shane Idleman7561:01:041SA 16:7ISA 30:21MAT 26:26ROM 8:6This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing the anointing of God. It highlights the need to surrender fully to God, allowing the Holy Spirit to govern our lives and empower us to carry out God's will with supernatural strength. The urgency of God's will is emphasized, urging listeners to reposition themselves back into the center of God's will, even if it requires humility and difficult choices.
All That Jesus Taught Bible Study - Part 37
By Zac Poonen59624:26ISA 30:21MAT 9:22JHN 5:6ACT 3:61JN 2:6This sermon emphasizes the importance of being sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit in ministry, highlighting Jesus' actions in responding to needs based on the Spirit's prompting. It discusses the need to be willing to have our plans interrupted to help those in need, while also being discerning about which invitations or opportunities to accept, following the example of Jesus. The sermon underscores the principle of living by faith and total dependence on God, rather than relying solely on knowledge or doctrines.
Don't Reject the Voice of God
By Shane Idleman57544:34PSA 103:13ISA 30:21JHN 3:17JHN 8:36ROM 5:8ROM 8:1ROM 8:142CO 10:4EPH 2:8This sermon emphasizes the importance of not rejecting the voice of God, highlighting the need to obey His commands and surrender to His will. It discusses the rejection of God's truth, the consequences of turning back to worldly ways, and the loving nature of God's sacrifice through Jesus Christ. The message challenges listeners to stop rejecting obedience, surrender, and the work of the Holy Spirit, urging them to embrace God's love and guidance.
What Is an Open Closed Door?
By Shane Idleman55150:47PRO 16:3ISA 30:21JHN 14:6ACT 16:6ACT 16:16ROM 1:28This sermon delves into the concept of open and closed doors in our lives, emphasizing the importance of discerning God's will. It explores the idea that closed doors may lead to better opportunities, and encourages seeking God's guidance through prayer and humility. The narrative from Acts 16 about Paul and Silas in prison highlights the power of praise, confronting darkness, and leading others to salvation.
Old Testament Survey - Part 6
By Dick Woodward50227:27GEN 3:6GEN 3:9PSA 32:5PRO 3:5ISA 30:21JHN 10:27ROM 12:2HEB 4:13JAS 4:171JN 1:9This sermon delves into Genesis chapter 3, exploring the crisis of sin and the beginning of communication between God and man. It emphasizes the importance of aligning with God's will, understanding the consequences of disobedience, and engaging in meaningful dialogue with God to find one's true purpose and direction.
Nanaimo Camp
By George Warnock1931:22:33Christian LifeISA 28:10ISA 30:21HAG 2:9MAT 11:28JHN 1:12EPH 3:17HEB 4:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing the sin of Adam and the power of Jesus' blood. He explains that through the incorruptible blood of Jesus, believers are born again and receive a new heart. The preacher encourages listeners to submit to God's discipline and allow His Word to water the seed of faith in their hearts. By being rooted and grounded in love, believers can experience the fullness of God and comprehend the depth of His love. The sermon also touches on the concept of finding rest in Jesus and the need for preparation in order to fulfill God's intentions.
Fellowshipping With the Holy Spirit
By Mike Bickle2547:54Intimacy With GodFellowship with the Holy SpiritISA 30:21JHN 4:14JHN 7:38ROM 8:261CO 6:172CO 13:14GAL 5:16EPH 4:30PHP 2:11TH 5:19Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of fellowshipping with the Holy Spirit, presenting Him as a dynamic person rather than merely a power source. He encourages believers to cultivate a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit through intentional conversation, which leads to a deeper experience of God's presence. Bickle highlights that our greatest destiny is to grow in intimacy with God through the Holy Spirit, who guides us into the fullness of the Trinity's love. He stresses that a vibrant walk with the Holy Spirit is essential for overcoming sinful desires and experiencing more of God. Ultimately, Bickle calls for believers to engage in regular, heartfelt communication with the Holy Spirit to enrich their spiritual lives.
My Sheep Hear My Voice
By Shane Idleman1852:53Hearing God's VoiceThe Importance of PrayerPSA 32:8PSA 37:4ISA 30:21JER 29:11MAT 7:7JHN 10:27JHN 16:13ROM 8:14JAS 1:22REV 3:22Shane Idleman emphasizes the importance of discerning God's voice amidst the chaos and confusion of today's world, reminding us that true Christians, as described in John 10:27, will hear and follow His voice. He discusses the necessity of positioning ourselves correctly to hear God, which involves building a relationship with Him through prayer and obedience to His Word. Idleman warns against the distractions of social media and conspiracy theories that can lead us away from God's truth, urging believers to focus on scripture and genuine spiritual counsel. He highlights the need for patience and discernment in decision-making, encouraging the congregation to seek God's will actively. Ultimately, he calls for a revival of prayer and a return to the foundational truths of scripture to navigate the moral decline in society.
How Does the Lord Lead Us?
By Shane Idleman1249:53God's GuidanceTrusting God's SovereigntyPSA 25:9PRO 16:9ISA 30:21JER 29:11ACT 16:6ROM 12:2PHP 4:61TH 5:182TI 3:16JAS 1:5Shane Idleman discusses how the Lord leads us, drawing parallels between the American Revolution and our spiritual journey. He emphasizes the importance of worship, humility, and thankfulness in aligning our hearts with God's will, as well as the necessity of prayer and the guidance of Scripture. Idleman highlights that while God is sovereign, our choices matter, and we must be willing to follow Him, remove distractions, and trust in His timing. He also warns against the dangers of pride and nationalism, reminding us that our hope should be in Christ, not in our country. Ultimately, he encourages believers to seek God's direction through worship, prayer, and the Word, while being open to His leading through circumstances and closed doors.
How to Be "Led by the Spirit"
By Shane Idleman1152:07Humility and ObedienceBeing Led by the SpiritPSA 111:10PRO 3:5ISA 30:21MAT 7:7JHN 10:27ACT 12:20ACT 13:2ROM 8:14GAL 5:16JAS 1:5Shane Idleman emphasizes the importance of being led by the Holy Spirit, highlighting that true guidance comes from listening to God's voice and aligning our actions with His will. He illustrates this through biblical examples, stressing the need for humility, prayer, fasting, and obedience to God's Word. Idleman warns against self-exaltation and the dangers of listening to the wrong voices, urging believers to actively seek God's direction in their lives. He encourages the congregation to open their ears to hear the Spirit's leading and to engage in ministry as a way to discern God's will. Ultimately, he calls for a deep, personal relationship with God to truly be led by the Spirit.
Hearing and Obeying God's Voice
By Shane Idleman61:04:21Obedience to GodHearing God's VoiceGEN 12:11SA 3:10PRO 3:5ISA 30:21MAT 7:24JHN 10:27ROM 11:29HEB 11:6JAS 1:221JN 1:9Shane Idleman emphasizes the importance of discerning and obeying God's voice, using the story of Abram's call in Genesis 12 as a foundation. He discusses the challenges of distinguishing between God's voice, our own thoughts, and external influences, urging believers to step out in faith and obedience even when the path is unclear. Idleman highlights that clarity in hearing God's voice often comes through obedience and that disobedience can cloud our spiritual vision. He encourages the congregation to confront areas of disobedience in their lives, as true repentance leads to a deeper relationship with God and clearer guidance. The sermon concludes with a call to action for baptism and a commitment to live in obedience to God's Word.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
When ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left "Turn not aside, to the right or to the left" - The Syriac Chaldee, and Vulgate, translate as if, instead of כי־וכי ki-vechi, they read לא־ולא lo-velo.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
word--conscience, guided by the Holy Spirit (Joh 16:13).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee,.... Which may be said in reference to the backsliding and declining state of the people, Isa 30:11 and is thought by some to be an allusion to schoolmasters, who stand behind their scholars, or at their backs, to guide, teach, and instruct them; and by others to shepherds following their flocks, who, when they observe any of the sheep going out of the way, call them back; or to travellers, who, coming to a place where are several ways, and being at a loss which way to take, and inclining to turn to the right or left, are called to by persons behind them, and directed in the right way. This "voice behind" is by the Jews (e) interpreted of Bath Kol; and by others of the voice of conscience; but it rather intends the Spirit of God, and his grace; though it seems best to understand it of the Scriptures of truth, the word of God, the only rule of faith and practice; the language of which is, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it; it directs to Christ the way, and who is the only way of life and salvation to be walked in by faith, and to all the lesser paths of duty and doctrine, which to walk in is both pleasant and profitable, and which is the right way; so the Targum paraphrases it, "this is the right way;'' to which agree the comments of Aben Ezra, Jarchi, and Kimchi; though the Arabic and Syriac versions, following the Septuagint, represent them as the words of seducers, directing to a wrong way: but the words are a promise of being led right, and not a threatening of being led wrong: when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left; through ignorance or inadvertency, through the prevalence of corruption, or force of temptation; and as it is promised there should be such a voice, so they should have ears to hear, their ears erect to attend to what is said, to observe it, and act according to it. (e) T. Bab. Megilla, fol. 32. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
30:21 The people’s own ears will hear and follow God’s instructions (see 6:9-10; 29:18; 35:5).