It is evident that this chapter was composed at about the same time as the preceding, and relates to the same subject. The general object, like the former, is to dissuade the Jews from their contemplated alliance with Egypt, and to lead them to rely on God. In doing this, the prophet first denounces... [ Continue Reading ]
WO - (see the note at Isaiah 30:1). TO THEM THAT GO DOWN TO EGYPT - (see the note at Isaiah 30:2). AND STAY ON HORSES - (see the note at Isaiah 30:16). AND TRUST IN CHARIOTS - (see the note at Isaiah 21:7). That they were often used in war, is apparent from the following places Joshua 11:4; Judges... [ Continue Reading ]
YET HE ALSO IS WISE - God is wise. It is in vain to attempt to deceive him, or to accomplish such purposes without his knowledge. AND WILL BRING EVIL - The punishment which is due to such want of confidence in him. BUT WILL ARISE AGAINST THE HOUSE OF THE EVIL-DOERS - This is a general proposition,... [ Continue Reading ]
NOW THE EGYPTIANS ARE MEN - They are nothing but people; they have no power but such as other people possess. The idea here is, that the case in reference to which they sought aid was one in which “divine” help was indispensable, and that, therefore, they relied on the aid of the Egyptians in vain.... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR THUS HATH THE LORD SPOKEN - The design of this verse and the following is to assure the Jews of the certain protection of Yahweh, and thus to induce them to put their trust in him rather than to seek the alliance with Egypt. To do this the prophet makes use of two striking illustrations, the fir... [ Continue Reading ]
AS BIRDS FLYING - This is another comparison indicating substantially the same thing as the former, that Yahweh would protect Jerusalem. The idea here is, that He would do it in the same manner as birds defend their young by hovering over them, securing them under their wings, and leaping forward, i... [ Continue Reading ]
TURN YE UNTO HIM - In view of the fact that he will assuredly defend Jerusalem, commit yourselves unto him rather than seek the aid of Egypt. HAVE DEEPLY REVOLTED - For the meaning of this phrase, see the note at Isaiah 29:15.... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR IN THAT DAY - That is, in the invasion of Sennacherib, and the events that shalt be consequent thereon. EVERY MAN SHALL CAST AWAY HIS IDOLS - (see the note at Isaiah 30:22; compare the note at Isaiah 2:20). FOR A SIN - Or rather, the sin which your own hands have made. The sense is, that the m... [ Continue Reading ]
THEN SHALL THE ASSYRIAN FALL WITH THE SWORD - The sword is often used as an instrument of punishment. It is not meant here literally that the sword would be used, but it is employed to denote that complete destruction would come upon them. NOT OF A MIGHTY MAN - The idea here is, that the army shoul... [ Continue Reading ]
AND HE SHALL PASS OVER - Margin, ‘His rock shall pass away for fear.’ The Hebrew would bear this, but it does not convey a clear idea. The sense seems to be this. The word rendered ‘stronghold’ (Hebrew, ‘His rock’) denotes his fortifications, or the places of strength in which he trusted. Probably t... [ Continue Reading ]