Isaiah 30 - Introduction

The prophet threateneth the people for their confidence in Egypt, and contempt of God's word. God's mercies toward his church. God's wrath and the people's joy in the destruction of Assyria.

Before Christ 713.

THE third section of this discourse is contained in the four following Chapter s, and is of nearly the same argument with the preceding sections. The scene of it is to be placed at the time when Hosea, the last king of the Ephraimites, having shaken off the yoke of the king of Assyria, by a solemn message and presents implored the help of the Egyptians. See 2 Kings 17:4; 2 Kings 17:41. The discourse in the present chapter is two-fold; the first part continuing reproof, Isaiah 30:1.; the latter part consolation, Isaiah 30:19. The former part is again two-fold; its first member respects the Ephraimites, Isaiah 30:1.; its second, both Ephraimites and Jews: in the first member, we have a reproof of the Ephraimites for seeking aid from Egypt, Isaiah 30:1 and a prediction of the unhappy event of that purpose, which is proposed, Isaiah 30:3 and more largely declared, Isaiah 30:4. In the latter member, we have a sharp conviction of the incredulity and irreverence towards the prophetic declarations, in the people not only of Ephraim, but of Judah, as well those who at this time favoured the counsel of the Ephraimites, as those who should hereafter follow it; Isaiah 30:8 and a denunciation of the grievous judgment of God, which should bring destruction to both states, Isaiah 30:12. The consolatory part is also two-fold; the first member contains the benefits to be conferred upon the church after its deliverance, Isaiah 30:19.; the latter, the grievous judgment of God to be executed on the Assyrian: Isaiah 30:27. The benefits comprehended in the first member are, the restoration of the state, Isaiah 30:19 abundant and pure instruction, Isaiah 30:20.; sanctification, Isaiah 30:22.; pure and spiritual pasture joined with temporal blessings, Isaiah 30:23.; wonderful illumination of the saints, and great glory to the church, Isaiah 30:26. The judgment of the Assyrian is comprised in two articles, each of which exhibits the judgment and its consequences; in the former article, the judgment, Isaiah 30:27.; its consequences, Isaiah 30:29.: in the latter, the judgment, Isaiah 30:30.; its consequences, Isaiah 30:32.