Isaiah 30

The Lord threateneth the Jews that sought unto the Egyptians for help, verse 1. And foretelleth that it shall be of no virtue, 3, etc. The Lord commandeth the prophet to write his prophesy, 8. And he complaineth of his peoples rebellion, 9. Wherefore he threateneth them that Jerusalem should be laid waste, 13 etc. But promiseth to have mercy on the penitent, 18. And to give them faithful teachers, 20. Whom they should hear, 21. Casting away Idolatry, 22. A promise concerning the blessing of the fruits of the earth, 23. And of greater glory and joy, 25, etc. A prophesy concerning the dust of the Assyrians army, by the fierce anger of the Lord, 27, etc. And the joy of the people of God for it, 9.

1. Wo to the children that revolt, [Meaning the wicked and inconstant inhabitants of Jerusalem] saith the LORD, to take counsel, [to make a covenant with King of Egypt (as verse 2.) against the King of Babel, after that this King had brought them under his power and dominion] but not of me; [having asked no counsel of me, but following their own mind and fancy] and to cover (themselves) with a covering [so he calleth the King of Egypts protection] but not (of) my Spirit: [that is, not by the inspiration of my Spirit] to add sin unto sin. [Namely, the sin of affiance in the help of man to the sin of perjury, in revolting from the King of Babel. See Eze. And putting confidence in men. Compare Jerem.2.13.]

2. Which go to descend into Egypt, and inquire not at my mouth: [To wit, neither by Prophets, nor by the high Priest] for to strengthen themselves with the strength of Pharaoh, and to seek for refuge under the shadow [that is, under the defence, or protection. Instead of this phrase, it is said Ruth chap.2.verse 12. Under the wings] of Egypt, to make a covenant with the King of Egypt, see Jerem.2.18. and 37.7. Zech.17.15.]

3. For the strength of Pharoah shall be shame unto you, and that refuge under the shadow of Egypt, confusion.

4. When his Princes [To wit, the King of Judas Princes. See Ezek.17.15. Others, their princes; to wit, the Princes of the people of the Jews shall have been Zoan, and his Ambassadors [or, messengers] shall have come neer unto Hanes. [Zoan and Hanes were cities lying in Egypt. See the Annotat. Numb.13.22. Psal.78.12. Hanes is Daphne. See Jerem.2.on verse 16. And 43.on verse 7.]

5. He [To wit, God, or the King of Egypt] shall make them all [to wit, all those of Jerusalem, as well Ambassadors as subjects] ashamed [that is, despicable, or contemptible. Others, he will make them all stinking; to wit, the Egyptians. See Jerem.37.7. by a people that cannot profit them, nor (be) an help nor an advantage (unto them,) but shall be a shame and also a reproach (unto them.)

6. The burden of the beasts of the South: [That is, the prophesy against the Jews, concerning the Camels or others beasts that bear burdens, which they sent to Egypt, laden with gifts or presents, to crave aid or assistance of the King of Egypt against the Chaldeans, (of the south) that is, toward Egypt, so called, because it lieth southerly of the land of Juda] into the land of trouble and anguish, [So is Egypt called or described, because many troubles and anguish befell the Jews there in former time, and should yet befall those that seek for help and counsel there] from whence is the strong Lion, and the old Lion, the Cockatrice and the fiery flying Dragon: [Such mischievous, venomous, renting, devouring creatures are found in great abundance in Egypt. Some understand by those creatures, in the Souldiers of Egypt, from whom the Jews could expect nothing but mischief and destruction] they, [to wit, the Ambassadors of the Jews, that brought great presents to the king of Egypt] shall carry their goods upon the back of their Colts, and their treasures upon the bunches of the Camels, unto a people (that) shall not profit (them:) [that is, unto the Egyptians, as vers.5.]

7. For Egypt shall help in vain, and to no purpose; [That is, the help of the Egyptians shall be in vain, and to no purpose] therefore have I cried concerning this; sitting still shall be their strength; [to wit, the strength of the Jews. Compare below vers.15. Hebr. Rahab-hem scabet, which words others do render thus: Rahab is ceasing, or, Rahab shall cease, that is, Egypt shall sit still, or cease; that is, it shall afford no more help. See Jerem.37.7. Egypt is more then once by the Prophet called Rahab, as below chap.51.9. and Psal.87.4. See the Annotat. There.]

8. Now (then) go thy ways, write (it) before thee on a Table, and note in a book, [These words, and those that follow, are the words of the Lord unto the Prophet. (Write, etc.) To wit, for a witness against them. Compare this with Deut.31.19. and above chap.8.1. (before them) or by, or among them, to wit, the Citizens of Jerusalem] that it may remain [Heb. Be see Psal.37.vers.18.] for the last day, [or, for the day, or time to come] forever and ever.

9. For it is rebellious people; [That is, a people that ever and anon departeth from the Lord, and rebelleth against him] they are lying children, Children that will not hear the Law, [or Doctrine] of the Lord.

10. Which say unto the Seers, [That is, unto the prophets. See 1 Sam.9.9.] See not [that is, Prophesy not; as if they had said, though God reveal somewhat unto you, yet publish it not, but conceal it, as if ye had neither seen nor heard it:] and to the Viewers, that is, Prophets] View for us that which is right, speak unto us soft things: [as if they had said; but preach unto us that which is pleasant, and acceptable,] view for us deceits, [or workings.]

11. Depart from the way: [That is, from your Office and ruling,] Get you gone from the path, cause the holy One of Israel to cease from us: [That is, speak no more unto us of the Word and threatening of the Lord.]

12. Therefore thus saith the Holy One of Israel, because ye cast off this word: [that is, this Prophesy, that which I cause to be preached unto you by my Prophet, concerning the aid of the Egyptians, from which he dissuaded you;] and trust oppression: [that is, in your wicked devices, which tend to the oppression of the poor and innocent. Others in oppression, to wit, of the Prophets, that counsel or advise you for the best. See Jerem.20.2. and 26.11. and 37.15,16.]and perverness, and stay thereon: [To wit, upon oppressions.]

13. Therefore this offence shall be unto you like a falling breach bowed outward in a high wall, whose breaking shall come suddenly, in a moment: [The meaning is, your sins shall be the cause of your sudden ruine, as a wall that is full of elects or chinks, and that bendeth out, doth easily give in, and falleth down: Compare Psal.62.vers.4. and the Annotat. There.]

14. Yea he [To wit, the Lord, or the Enemy] shall break it: [To wit, Jerusalem and the other Cities of Juda; yea, also the whole Nation of the Jews, the Ecclesiatical and the Civil state: [as a Potters pot is broken:] Heb. According to the breaking of a Potters bottle,] in breaking to shivers he shall not spare: [That is, it shall be quite broken to shivers, so that nought of it shall remain whole. Compare Jerem.19.11.] So that of the bruising of it [That is, of the broken pieces thereof] there shall not be found a shred, to take fire out of the hearth, or to take up water out of a ditch, [or trench, pit, pool.]

15. For thus saith the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, by returning and rest: [That is, if ye should return and cease, to wit, from your wicked lives, and purpose to go to seek help in Egypt, possessing your souls in patience, and hoping or trusting in God. See above, vers.7.] should ye be saved [or be delivered] in quietness and in confidence [To wit, in God] should be your strength, but ye would not: [That is, ye would not obey his counsel.]

16. And ye say, no, but we will flee upon horses: [To wit, when the Babylonians are too strong for us: Others, we will flee, etc. That is, we will run about hither and thither, so long till we find help,] therefore shall ye flee [to wit, because ye are thus rebellious, 25.4. Jerem.39.4. and 52.7.] and we will ride upon swift Horses,) [or upon light horses, that run apace,] therefore your Pursuers [To wit, the Babylonians] shall be swift (also.)

17. One thousand (shall flee) at the rebuke of one, at the rebuke of five shall ye (all) flee: [Compare this with Levits.26.8.36. Deut.28.25. and 32.30.] till ye exalted pillar or memorial, or high tree without boughs or leaves] upon the top of a mountain, [The Prophet doth intimate hereby, that those that should be left, should be sowen very thin, and should be as easy to be seen and told, as a ship-mast, or high pole upon a Mountain] and as an Ensign upon an Hill.

18. And therefore will the Lord wait that he may be gracious unto you: [These and the words that follow, are a comfort or consolation unto those whom the Lord should spare, or suffer to remain, (the Lord will wait) to wit, upon your repentance and amendment, (that he may be gracious unto you,) delivering you from your captivity,] and therefore will he be exalted, [To wit, by his judgements, whereby ye shall be brought to repentance and amendment,] that he may have mercy upon you, for the LORD is a God of judgement:

19. For the people [To wit, the people of the Jews, after they shall be delivered out of the Babylonish captivity, which was a type of the spiritual redemption of the people of God by Christ, [shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem: thou shalt not weep at all, [or, thou shalt not weep with weeping: to wit, with so much, or so sore weeping, as thou didst in times past, when thou wast carried into captivity. See Psal.137.] Surely he [to wit, the Lord] will be gracious unto thee, [Heb. He will by being gracious be gracious unto thee] at the voice of thy cry, [that is, when thou shalt in thy captivity call or cry unto him for deliverance] as soon as he shall bear it, shall he answer [That is, hear] thee.

20. The Lord shall indeed give you bread of distress, and waters of oppression; but thy teachers shall not fly any more away as with wings, [Or, be winged: That is, so swiftly or speedily as if they had wings. As came to pass in sundry former times, and especially from the time of the Prophet Malachi unto John Baptist, See Mal.chap.4.vers.4,5. Psal.74.9.] but thine eyes shall see thy Teachers (continually.) That is, have them always or continually with you, beholding them with joy and delight, and bearing their Sermons with zeal and attention. (The Lord shall (indeed) give you bread of distress, etc.) That is, the Lord shall indeed suffer you to fall again into affliction and adversity, but he shall comfort and strengthen your souls with the spiritual food of his Word, and with the hearing of the Gospel; not teachers shall be wanting unto you, he will make that ye shall have always some with you; to wit, after that Christ shall become into the World, who himself in his own Person shall preach unto you, as also his Apostles and Disciples, whom he shall afterward send unto all the world, to preach the Gospel unto all Nations, Matth.28.19. Others, and water (in) oppression, &c. This was fulfilled in the time of Machabees.]

21. And their ears shall hear the word (of him that) is behind thee, [That is, God shall as it were follow, or go after thee, and shall carry and lead thee by his Word and spirit, as a Tutor or School-master letteth his Disciples or Scholars go before him, that he may mind them the better] saying, this is the way, [to wit, the way that leadeth to heaven] walk in it, when ye shall turn aside to the right hand or to the left. As if he had said, as soon as ye shall step aside from the right way, the Lord will with staff of his Word bring you back again into the right way. See Psal.23.]

22. And ye shall esteem as unclean [Or, despise (it) as a thing unclean, and put it away from you] the covering of thy silver carved images, and the covering of thy golden molten images: thou shalt cast them away as a menstruous cloth, and say unto each of them, away from thence [or, get thee gone. Heb. Go sorth. The meaning is, thou shalt utterly abandon & forsaken Idolatry, as repugnant to the true worship and service of God. (The covering of thy silver carved Images) that is, thy carved Images that are covered over with Silver or Gold. Heb. Of the carved Images of thy Silver, that is, which are made of thy Silver. So presently again, of thy Gold, (and the covering over of thy golden molten Image:) That is, thy molten Images covered over, or clad, or adorned with Gold: the Hebrew word hath respect to the beautiful and glorious Ephod of the High Priest, whereof, see Exod.28.6. &c.]

23. Then shall he [To wit, the Lord] give rain unto thy seed, [Heb. He shall give the rain of thy seed; to wit, that rain which thy seed hath need of, if it should come well, and bear fruit] wherewith thou hast sowed the Land, [or, when thou hast sowed the Land] and bread of the increase of the Land, [others, bread of the Lands getting, or, revenue: that is, corn, that proceedeth or cometh forth out of the land or ground] and the same shall be fat and unctuous, [or, oily] thy Cattle shall in that day feed (in) large Pastures.

24. And the Oxen and the Ass-colts that till the land, shall eat pure, [or, clean, Heb. Leavened: that is, pleasant, savoury] fodder, [or, pure fodder, or provender: to wit, without chaff, or other uncleanness, by reason of the great plenty of fruits that shall grow then] which is stalked [or, shot, winnowed] with the shovel, and with the fan.

25. And there shall be upon all [or every] high mountain, and upon all [or every] exalted hill, little brooks and streams of waters, [That is, God will so abundantly reflect with his transcendent mercy and blessing upon all things, that even those men shall be converted and bear fruit, who were by nature hard, dry and barren, like the high mountains and hills. [Upon all [or every] high hill, small brook] or, water-springs, water-issues: to wit, to water the high mountains and hills, and to make them fruitful] in the day of the great slaughter, [To wit, after the Babylonians shall be slain by the Persians and Medes] when the towards shall fall. [To wit, the towers of the City of Babel; or, the mighty Princes and Tyrants that are in it.]

26. And the light of the Moon shall be as the light of the Sun, and the light of the Sun shall be seven-fold: [Or, seven times greater: that is, your joy shall be exceeding great: First, when ye shall return again into your own Country, but especially when Christ shall appear or come in the flesh, then shall the light of his knowledge, and the glory which God shall give unto his Church be exceeding great and excellent. See above chap.24.23. and the Annotat. There] as the light of, [or brightness, or, shining] of seven days: [The meaning is, the brightness of the Sun shall be so great, as if seven Suns did shine all at once, or together, and as if the light of seven bright and clear days were all united together. Understand all this of the exceeding great spiritual light of knowledge in divine and spiritual things] in the day when the LORD shall bind up the breach of his people, and heal the wound wherewith they are stricken. [or, which is struken them, Heb. The wound of their striking, or, stroke: that is, when the Lord shall deliver his people out of Babel, and shall bring them again into the land of Juda: but especially when he shall send Christ, the true Physician of the soul, who shall forgive their sins, and regenerate to beget them again by the holy Ghost.]

27. Behold the Name of the LORD, [That is, God himself, or his power and glory] cometh from far, [to wit, from Heaven, from whence God sent his Angel to slay the Assyrians in the Camp of Sennacherib] his anger burneth, [to wit, against the Enemies of his Church, and in particular against the Assyrians] and the burden, [or, exaltation lifting up; to wit, of Gods anger. The Hebrew word is used for lifting up, Judg.20.40. and Jerem.6.1. and elsewhere] is heavy: his lips are full of indignation, and his tongue (is) as a consuming fire.

28. And his beautiful [or, blast] is an overrunning brook, (which) reacheth even to the neck: [Heb. Divideth, etc. To wit, into two parts, so that the uppermost part, to wit, the head, sticketh out, and the lowermost is underwater] to shake, [or, to winnow, to scatter, to sift] the heathen with a shaking [or, sieve, winnowing] of vanity, [that is, until they come to nought , or which shall bring them to nought, as a misleading bridle in the jaws of the Nations. Heb. A bridle causing to erre, &c. That is, scattering them abroad, so that they know not whither or where to go; it is a comparison borrowed from beasts that are led by the bridle whither men lift.]

29. There shall be a song of praise among you, [To wit, when the Assyrians shall be slain by the Angel of the Lord. See Psal.42.9.] as in the night when the feast is hallowed: [it seemeth that the prophet hath respect unto the feast of unleavened bread, which the Jews kept in the night-time when they did eat the paschal lamb; at which feast they sung an hymn of praise, Exod.12.8. Mat.26.30. See Psal.42.5.] and gladness of heart, as of one that walketh with piping, to come to the mountain of Lord, [that is, to the Temple, wherein the Lord hath his habitation] to the rock of Israel, [that is, to the Lord Christ, on whom the people of Israel were to rely.]

30. And the LORD shall cause his glorious voice to be heard, [Heb. The glory of his voice, etc. That is, the thunder, and other outward tokens of his anger against the enemies of his Church. See Psal.29.on vers.3.] and (shall) cause the letting down of his arm to be seen, [to wit, when he shall let down his strong and mighty arm to smite the Assyrians: namely in the siege laid against the city of Libna, or in his marching up against Jerusalem. See 2 Kings 19. Vers.8, and 35.] with indignation of wrath, and a flame of a consuming fire (with) arrows, lightening, and a flood, [As above chap.4.vers.6.] and hail-stones.

31. For through the voice of the LORD [As vers.30.] shall Assur be beaten to shivers (who) smote with the rod.

32. And wheresoever [To wit in the land of Juda] that grounded [to wit by God; which was appointed by the ordinance of God] staff [that is, the hostile invasion of the Assyrians] shall have passed [Heb. All passage of the grounded staff] (whereupon the Lord shall have caused the same to rest,) [or, shall it] (there) shall they be with tabrets and harps: [the meaning is, after that the Angel shall have slain the Assyrians, they shall every where in the land of Juda praise the LORD with songs of praise: they shall be every where merry and joyful because of this victory. See the like example, 15.20. and 1 Sam.18.6. Others, whereunto the lord shall have laid that same with tabrets and with harps, or shall be with tabrets and with harps] for with shaking fighting shall he fight against them, [to wit, against the Souldiers or army of the Assyrians. Others, against it; to wit, the staff. The Hebrew is as well the one as the other. Some render this 32.verse thus: and it shall come to pass that every where that grounded staff which the lord shall cause to rest upon him (to wit the Assyrian) shall have passed (or gone through) with tabrets and with harps, he shall fight against that (land) with a fighting concussion. The meaning is, if any land do receive that staff with tabrets and harps (that is, with joy and gladness) which ought rather to be received with grief and heaviness, the Lord shall fight against it with fightings of shaking; that is, so that all shall shake and tremble with a great shaking.]

33. For Tophet [Heb. Tophthe, that is, Topheth, as Jerem.7.31. and 19.6. See 2 Kings 23. The Annotat. On vers.10.] is prepared of yesterday, [Understand here by Topheth, not onely the grave, but also hell fire, which is prepared for all the enemies of God, and persecutors of his Church] (yea) it is also prepared for the Kings, [understand here Sennacherib the King of Assyria] he [to wit, the Lord] hath made it deep (and) large: the fire and wood of the burning pile thereof [to wit, of Topheth] is much, the breath of the LORD shall bundle it like a stream of Brimstone [to wit, the burning pile, or the rod, or staff whereof mention is made vers.31.or, understand it of Tophet.]