Isaiah 30
BBCIsaiah 30:1
- Woe to the Alliance with Egypt (Chaps. 30, 31)30:1-7 The rebellious children are the politicians of Judah who make a league with Egypt against Assyria. Since there is no record of such an alliance, we are justified in thinking of this as still future. Judah will learn that Egypt is not worthy of trust. Caravans are seen carrying tribute from Judah to Egypt, through dangerous areas in the Negeb (the South), but though the Jewish envoys get as far as Zoan and Hanes, the whole project is doomed to failure. God calls Egypt “Rahab-Hem-Shebeth” (Rahab who sits still). 30:8-14 Let it be recorded for posterity that the treaty with Egypt (and all such misplaced trust) is a blatant rejection of the law of the LORD through His prophets. Judah will see that Egypt is a poor wall of defense. In fact the high wall will bulge and crash. It will be smashed as completely as an earthenware vessel, with no fragments big enough to use in minor chores. 30:15-17 God has been saying to Judah, “Your salvation lies in returning to Me and resting on Me. Your strength lies in quiet trust in Me rather than frenzied flight to Egypt.” But Judah said, “No, for we will fly against the enemy.” To which God answers, “You will fly all right, but in retreat and in panic! You will be chased by undermanned forces till you are like a single, scrawny pole on a hill.” 30:18-25 Still the LORD will wait to be gracious. “God waits until the disaster of our choice has taught us the foolishness of that choice.” When Judah turns to the Lord, He will be their Teacher, Guide, Giver of rain, fertility and prosperity, Healer, Rock, and Defender. His people “will throw away their idols like the polluted things they are, shouting after them ‘Good riddance!’” 30:26-33 The intensified light of verse 26 must be understood as symbolic of glory and righteousness. The godless nations will be sifted in a sieve of destruction. Assyria will be beaten down by the Lord, and every stroke of punishment will be accompanied by jubilant music from Judah. The burning fires of Topheth (hell) are ready to welcome the wicked king.