The Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 30:2

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

That walk; or, are on their way (comp. Isaiah 31:1). Either the Jewish ambassadors have already started, or the anticipatory vision of the prophet sees them as if starting. In the history (2 Kings 18:13-37; Isaiah 36:1-22) it is not expressly said that Hezekiah made application to Egypt for aid; but the reproaches of Rabshakeh (2 Kings 18:21, 2 Kings 18:24) would be pointless if he had not done so.

Have not asked at my mouth. As they ought to have done (see Numbers 27:21; 1:1; 20:18; 1 Samuel 23:2; 1 Kings 22:7, etc.). To strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh. It is very uncertain who is the "Pharaoh" here intended.

The supreme power over Egypt was probably, at the time, in the hands of Tirkakah (2 Kings 19:9); but Lower Egypt seems to have been ruled by various princes, the chief of whom was Shabatok, and any one of these may have been regarded by Isaiah as a "Pharaoh."

To trust in the shadow of Egypt. Trust in the "shadow of God" was an expression very familiar to the Jews (see Psalms 17:8; Psalms 36:7; Psalms 63:7; Psalms 91:1; Isaiah 25:4; Isaiah 32:2). To "trust in the shadow of Egypt" was to put Egypt in the place of God.

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commentaryMatthew Henry on Isaiah 30:1-7It was often the fault and folly of the Jews, that when troubled by their neighbours on one side, they sought for succour from others, instead of looking up to God. Nor can we avoid the dreadful consequences of adding s…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Foolish Confidence of Judah. (b. c. 720.)THE FOOLISH CONFIDENCE OF JUDAH. (B. C. 720.) It was often the fault and folly of the people of the Jews that, when they were insulted by their neighbours on one side, they sought for succour from their neighbours on th…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 30:1-7The embassy to Egypt. The embassy to Egypt has been sent, and the prophet's object is to show that the policy of it is false, as all policy must be false which does not rest upon religion. I. The POLICY CHARACTERIZED. I…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 30:1-7A godless policy issues in disaster, however seemingly wise. In the sight of man there was no more prudent course for the Jews to take than to ally themselves with Egypt. Egypt was the only power in their neighborhood t…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 30:1-7Going down into Egypt. The prophet of Jehovah utters another "woe," he denounces another sin; for the people of the Lord, in the day of their difficulty, have looked, not to their Divine Redeemer, but to that arm of fle…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 30:1-7THE ALLIANCE WITH EGYPT OPENLY REBUKED. In the preceding chapter (Isaiah 30:15) the design of the Jewish rulers to seek the alliance of Egypt was covertly glanced at and condemned; now it is openly declared and rebuked.…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 30:1-33EXPOSITIONJoseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 30:2Trusting others than Jehovah. "Relying upon human aid, involving a distrust of the Divine promises, was a crying sin of the ancient Church, not at one time only, but throughout her history." It is quite as truly the cry…Joseph S. Exell and contributors