Isaiah 30

Isaiah 30:1

Of me. Ezechias was guided by human prudence, in making an alliance with Egypt, though he might have just reasons for refusing to pay tribute to the Assyrians, 4 Kings xviii. 20. (Calmet) — And. Septuagint, “alliances not by,” &c. (Haydock)

Isaiah 30:2

Down, with presents, ver. 6., and 4 Kings xviii. 20.

Isaiah 30:3

Shame. Egypt had been defeated before Sennacherib’s approach.

Isaiah 30:4

Hanes. Chaldean, “Taphanes,” (Jeremias ii. 16.) or Daphn'e6 Pelusi'e6. (Herodotus ii. 30.) — In the Arabic, Nome, which formed part of (Haydock) the dominions of Tharaca. (Calmet)

Isaiah 30:6

Burden. This title seems unnecessary, and may be added by some Jew, (chap. xxi. 13.) though the Chaldean and others explain it, “They carry on their beasts, presents to the south,” to the nations of Arabia and Egypt, infested with lions, &c. The rest of the prophecy is against the Jews, who cannot well be styled beasts of the south. (Calmet) — Basilisk. The ibis devours many serpents on their flight from Arabia and Egypt. (Herodotus ii. 5.; Solin. xxxii.)

Isaiah 30:7

Cried. Hebrew, “called it Rahab, (or pride) it is rest.” The people are indolent, though they will make great promises. (Calmet)

Isaiah 30:8

Box. This word was covered with wax. ( Propertius iii. 3.) — Write, that none may pretend that they were not admonished. Some think that this was addressed to Jeremias: but Isaias spoke to his incredulous countrymen.

Isaiah 30:10

See not. Such were the dispositions of their heart, chap. xxviii. 15.

Isaiah 30:11

Us. Mention God no more, or let him not meddle with our affairs. Seek not to reclaim us, we are pleased with our delusion. (Calmet)

Isaiah 30:12

Oppression. Literally, “calumny,” (Haydock) or rebellion against the Assyrians. This was contrary to the respect due to God’s name, used in the ratification of treaties, how wicked soever those princes might be.

Isaiah 30:13

For. Psalm lxi. 3. If God had not miraculously cut off the army of Sennacherib, what would have become of the kingdom of Juda?

Isaiah 30:15

Be. Septuagint, “groan,” as Origen, &c., read. If you be seriously converted, and trust not in Egypt, you need not fear.

Isaiah 30:16

Ones, or chariots. (Calmet) — Egypt was famous for horses, Deuteronomy xvii. 16. (Forcr.[Forerius?]) — Rebsaces ridicules the Jews for the want of them, 4 Kings xviii. 23. (Haydock)

Isaiah 30:17

Five. A small number shall put you to flight. (Menochius) — Mast, set up after a shipwreck, to warn others, or as a signal, chap. xxxiii. 23.

Isaiah 30:18

Wait for him. Having convinced Ezechias that he ought to trust in on other, the Lord rescues him from the hand of Sennacherib. (Calmet)

Isaiah 30:19

Weep. The citizens expected certain death, (Haydock) or slavery. (Calmet)

Isaiah 30:20

Water. The land will be reduced to a miserable condition by the ravages of Sennacherib. (Haydock) — The following was a sabbatical year, ver. 23., and chap. xxxvii. 30. — Teacher. It seems that Isaias, &c., had been silent. He spoke after Ezechias had sent for him, and God promises that the people shall not be left without guides. (Calmet) — Christ will not abandon his Church. (Menochius)

Isaiah 30:22

Garment. Hebrew, “ephod,” belonging to the idol, or its priest. Ezechias had prohibited idolatry at first. After his deliverance he was still more zealous, and even those who had formerly retained an affection for idols, saw their vanity, and became sincere.

Isaiah 30:24

CHAPTER XXX.

Floor. They shall not have straw only, but wheat, &c., to denote abundance.

Isaiah 30:25

Towers, or chief officers of Sennacherib. All shall be luxuriant.

Isaiah 30:26

Sevenfold. Exceedingly great, equal to the light of 49 days. (Calmet) — The fame of Ezechias spread widely. His kingdom was a figure of that of Christ, when this was more perfectly realized, the preaching of the gospel having dispelled the darkness of error. (Calmet) — He alludes to the day of judgment. (St. Jerome) (Menochius)

Isaiah 30:27

Name. Majesty of God, (Calmet) in the future ages. (Haydock)

Isaiah 30:28

Error. The unjust government of Sennacherib, who endeavoured to engage all in idolatry.

Isaiah 30:29

Night. When the festivals commenced. (Calmet) — He may particularly mean that night, when the destroying angel slew the Egyptians. (Vatable) — Pipe. Music. (Haydock) — This was not prescribed.

Isaiah 30:30

Stones. The Angel raised the storm, which destroyed many, while the rest in a panic fell upon one another, chap. ix. 5., and xxvii. 36.

Isaiah 30:31

Rod. Sennacherib is terrified, who a few days before insulted the living God.

Isaiah 30:32

Harps. The sound of thunder will fill the people of Ezechias with joy, while the enemy shall perish irrecoverably. (Calmet)

Isaiah 30:33

Topheth. ‘Tis the same as Gehenna, and is taken for hell. (Challoner) — The Assyrians perish amid horrid cries (Haydock) and thunders, which resembled the noise made by drums, and by children who were burning in the arms of Moloc, 4 Kings xviii. 4., and xxiii. 10., and 2 Paralipomenon xxix. 16. Some think that the carcasses of the Assyrians were to be burnt in this common sewer of Jerusalem. But they were too far distant, chap. xxxvii. 33. (Calmet)