ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Isaiah 30

Isa. 30:1 Ah. See note on 28:1. an alliance. Judah, under threat from Assyria, negotiates a defense pact with Egypt (see 36:6). But God had already promised to defend his people, while Egypt offers only death (see 28:14–15). who carry out a plan, but not mine. The Lord rejects all who make and carry out their own plans rather than submitting to and carrying out the plans that he has revealed to his people. The result of such lack of faith and disobedience is always “shame and disgrace” (30:5). To reject God’s plan is to reject God himself and so to come under his judgment.

Isa. 30:2 who set out to go down to Egypt. Representatives of Judah travel to Egypt to buy protection. Ironically, they return to their original oppressor (see Ex. 1:8–22).

Isa. 30:6–7 Isaiah mocks the Judeans carrying payment to the court of Egypt. Rahab who sits still. For Rahab as a poetical name for Egypt, see Ps. 87:4.

Isa. 30:9–12 Isaiah’s generation feared Assyrian aggression. The prophet understands that the real threat to them is their unwillingness to hear God’s saving word. smooth things . . . illusions. For the false prophets’ message in Judah, see Jer. 14:13–14; Ezek. 13:10–16; Mic. 3:5. The people prefer to hear false reassurances.

Isa. 30:15–17 Isaiah gets to the heart of the matter. With the authority of the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, the secret of Judah’s strength has been revealed. It comes in returning (or repentance, see esv footnote) and rest . . . in quietness and in trust. This is the true path to victory and peace. Judah’s unwillingness to obey God’s word (v. 9) becomes clear in their rejection of this message (see 28:12).

Isa. 30:18 Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you. Note the amazing logic of grace: God’s people forsake him for a false salvation (vv. 1–17); therefore, he is gracious to them (v. 18). But he waits, for the Lord is a God of justice, that is, he knows the perfect way to achieve his purpose, the perfect time to go into action, and the perfect kind of discipline that will awaken Judah.

Isa. 30:20–21 your Teacher. Contrast v. 9. This is the way, walk in it. Contrast v. 11. Isaiah foresees the law of the new covenant, written on the heart (see Jer. 31:31–34; Ezek. 36:25–27), and the guidance of each believer by the Holy Spirit (see Rom. 8:14; Gal. 5:16).

Isa. 30:23–26 And he will . . . Isaiah foresees the messianic kingdom (see Deut. 28:1–14). The details suggest the glorious reality and fullness of the blessing.

Isa. 30:32 he will fight. God himself will fight for Judah. His people’s role is simply to celebrate with tambourines and lyres (see Ex. 15:19–21; 1 Sam. 18:6–7).