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Book of Isaiah
Isaiah Chapter 30

This chapter contains a complaint against the Jews for their sins and transgressions; a prophecy of their destruction; a Promise of grace and mercy and of happy times to come for the saints; and a threat of utter and dreadful ruin to the wicked. The Jews are criticized for their rebellion against God, their slighting His counsel and His protection, their vain trust in Egypt, and their request there for help; where they went with their riches for safety, totally in vain, because it opposed the will and counsel of God, (vs.1-7).
 
Then comes a condemnation of ruin and destruction for their sins: rebellion, lying and vain confidence and worse, contempt of the Holy Word of God, which it appears sure and certain, and is ordered to be written in a book (vs.8-12). This ruin is indicated by the sudden falling of a wall, and by the breaking of a potter's vessel into pieces, which can never be used more (vs.13-14).

The Jews rejected the ONLY Way of salvation planned by Almighty God (Jn.3:15-18, 36; 14:6; Acts 4:12; 1 Jn.5:10-13), and took their own way. First destruction is threatened, which would be very easily brought about, and become so over-all, that very few (Mat.7:13-14) would escape it (vs.15-17).

Promises of grace and mercy are then made to them that wait for the Lord (vs.18) in Zion. He would hear their prayers, give them teachers to instruct them, and rid the of idolatry from them (vs.19-22). Many outward blessings are also promised, such as seasonable rain, good food crops, lush pastures for cattle, and streams of water in the mountains and hills (vs.23-25). There would be an amazing degree of spiritual light and glory, and the healing of the Lord's people, and the chapter ends with a warning of God's holy and righteous wrath upon Assyria, expressed by different symbols: an angry man, an overflowing torrent, a tempest of thunder, lightning, and hail, and the fire of Tophet (vs.27-33; Jer.7:31).  

Theme: Judah is warned not to turn to Egypt for help against Assyria; and urged instead to turn to the Lord.
The local prophecy has been literally fulfilled. The southern kingdom of Judah heard and heeded the prophet's warning and did not join with Egypt in order to be delivered from the Assyrian. The northern kingdom of Israel made the mistake of ignoring the prophet's warning, and they went into Assyrian captivity (2 Ki.17:4). This is one time when the southern kingdom profited by the experience of the northern kingdom.

Admonition Not to Seek Alliance with Egypt (30:1-7)

This is the fourth woe. It is a woe because it is a dire warning. God tells them: Do NOT go to Egypt for help, because it will NOT do any good!

Isaiah 30:1 Woe to the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin: (KJV)

Woe to the rebellious children, saith the Lord . . . the rebellious children are the Jews, who call themselves God's children, but they are indeed very rebellious ones (Isa.1:2).
That take counsel, but not of me . . . the Jews met and consulted together about their safety, but they did NOT ask counsel of the Lord. They did NOT consult His Word, nor His prophets, nor by Urim and Thummim (Ex.28:30; Lev.8:8; Deut.33:8; Ezra 2:63; Neh.7:65), as in case of war they should do. Not of me . . . they did NOT ask for God’s advice, which they were encouraged and commanded to do.
And that cover with a covering . . . they wanted a cover, a shelter, a protection from the enemy, but refused to seek protection from God. But not of my spirit. . . not from the Spirit of the Lord, nor His Word and prophets, who would have directed them to a much better way. The Almighty Lord arranged for His humble prophets to encourage and warn the Jews . . . but they did NOT take counsel from His Word, nor did they consult His prophets. Instead, they did not want any part of the prophet’s truth (see vs.10).
That they may add sin to sin . . . the sins of consulting others (men and nations), and of putting confidence in a creature rather than the Creator, thus adding sins of rebellion and apostasy and acts of hostility against Him. They are in terrible danger of eternal ruin, because they do not consult the Word and ministers of the Gospel, but vainly trust in flesh and blood, to cover themselves with the rags of their own righteousness (Isa.64:6), and not with the robe of Christ's righteousness (1 Cor.1:30; Rev.3:4-5, 18; 4:4; 6:11;  7:9, 13-14; 19:8). Confidence in the arm of flesh, is simply rebellion against God. Sin, piling up: (Isa.30:1; Rom.2:5-6; 2 Tim.3:13)

*****The Jews were by national adoption, and by outward profession of religion, the children of God (Gen.12:1-3; Ex:2:25; 29:45; Lev.18:2; 19:2; Deut.7:7-9; Josh.3:9; 1 Sam.10:18; Jn.11:52), but were in reality apostates from Him. They had turned their backs on Him, departed from His Law, and departed from His worship and decrees and because of this, a woe is pronounced against them. They are called on to consider of their evil ways, and return to Him, that their rebellious sin might not be their destruction. This is also a warning for the rebellious people in today’s world (Gen.6:5; 13:13; 18:20-21; 19:4-5; Lev.18:22; 20:13; Rom.1:24-31; 1 Cor.6:9-11; Jude 1:7). The Bible clearly warns us very clearly of the sins of the world. God truly wants you to know what will happen IF you do not repent.         
Matthew 25:41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: (KJV)  
Matthew 25:46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. (KJV)  
Revelation 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. (KJV)  

Isaiah 30:2  That walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at my mouth; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt! (KJV)

That walk to go down into Egypt . . . that send ambassadors to Egypt for help (vs.4), which the Jews were eager to do in all occasions, and did now with the invasion of Assyria (Isa.20:5-6), and did like they did against the king of Babylon (Jer.37:7; Eze.17:15).
And have not asked at my mouth . . . neither by the priests or prophets, as they were supposed to do in important decisions (Num.27:21; Josh.9:14; 1 Sam.23:9-10; 1 Ki.22:7; Jer.21:2; 42:2, 20); nor by studying God’s Word, for they chose another course, which was forbidden for them to do.
To strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh . . . by making an alliance with Egypt’s Pharaoh, and receiving men and horses from him, to assist them against the Assyrians. It seems that this Pharaoh was he whom the Scriptures call So (2 Ki.17:4), while others call him Sevechus and Sethon.
And to trust in the shadow of Egypt . . . these rebellious children tried to find protection from Egypt, protection is often symbolized by a shadow (Judg.9:15; Ps.17:8; 91:1, 4). They placed their confidence in Egypt, and thought themselves safe from their other enemy, by having so powerful an ally; but this was but a shadow, as are all things that man trusts in the place of the Lord Himself, be it riches or righteousness, or any carnal or worldly enjoyment.

Isaiah 30:3  Therefore shall the strength of Pharaoh be your shame, and the trust in the shadow of Egypt your confusion. (KJV)

Therefore shall the strength of Pharaoh be your shame . . . they would be very disappointed with the help they expected from Egypt, and also be ashamed of their ally, and of their confidence in him.
And the trust in the shadow of Egypt your confusion . . . they would be totally dazed, when they find they will not receive support from the Egyptians, in whom they had placed their confidence. So it shall be with all that trust in something other than the power of the Almighty God! Sooner or later, all shall be ashamed and confused; but all those that trust in the Lord shall never be ashamed and confused, not  in this world, nor in the one to come.

Six bad results of vain trust in man:
#1. Shame (vs.3, 5)
#2. Confusion (vs.5)
#3. Unprofitable (vs.6)
#4. Reproach (vs.5)
#5. In vain (vs.7)
#6. Purposeless (vs.7)

Isaiah 30:4 For his princes were at Zoan, and his ambassadors came to Hanes. (KJV)

For his princes were at Zoan . . . the princes of Judah, either sent by the king, or by the appointment of their brethren. At Zoan . . . they are already there on their errand to Pharaoh (Isa.19:11).
And his ambassadors came to Hanes . . . Hanes was a well-known city west of the Nile, in central Egypt, called by some Tahapanes and Tahpanhes (Jer.2:16; 43:7-9).

*****The ambassadors whom the pro-Egyptian party had sent to Egypt were already sitting in conference with the representatives of the Egyptian crown at both Zoan and Hanes. Clearly they had hurried their journey to Egypt and had arrived before the train of asses and camels had reached their destination. The prophet sees the slowly moving caravan laden with the riches of Jerusalem as they proceeded their way across the desert toward Egypt. They were supposedly bearing the price of military assistance.

Isaiah 30:5 They were all ashamed of a people that could not profit them, nor be an help nor profit, but a shame, and also a reproach. (KJV)

They were all ashamed of a people that could not profit them . . . the princes, the ambassadors that were sent to them, and the king or people, or both that sent them, had hoped for and expected great things from Egypt, but were bitterly disappointed, and filled with shame; because the Egyptians either could not help them, or would not help them, afraid to go up against such a powerful an enemy as Assyria, and confirmed by repeating the same and using other words.
Nor be an help, nor profit, but a shame, and also a reproach . . . they would not receive any help, all they got was shame, that they had placed any confidence in Egypt for help.

Isaiah 30:6 The burden of the beasts of the south: into the land of trouble and anguish, from whence come the young and old lion, the viper and fiery flying serpent, they will carry their riches upon the shoulders of young asses, and their treasures upon the bunches of camels, to a people that shall not profit them. (KJV)

The burden of the beasts of the south . . . the burden is either, #1. The prophecy, which if often called the burden; or #2. The burden of riches or treasures, as it is described in the latter part of the verse.
Of the beasts of the south . . . which is carried upon asses (donkeys or mules) or camels, as it follows, into Egypt, which lay south of Judea. Some think that Isaiah begins a new prophecy, and is called the vision of the four footed beasts in the wilderness. I do not agree, I think this concerns the same thing as before, as appears by what follows; namely, the messengers going down to Egypt, which lay south of Judea, with beasts carrying riches there, either for safety, or to obtain help from them.
Into a land of trouble and anguish . . . land of trouble means the desert between Palestine and Egypt, lacking water and abounding in dangerous animals (Deut.8:15; Jer.2:6; Hos.13:5).
From whence come the young and old lion, the viper, and fiery flying serpent . . .
Egypt abounded with these creatures, as historians tell us, and where some of them were worshipped, and where men lived compared to these creatures, as for skill and cruelty. The young and old lion . . . these fierce animals were abundant in Egypt and Ethiopia . . . this seems to mean the craft and cruelty of that people, and the danger of their union with them, and the harm which they should have from them. The viper (Isa.59:1-8; Mat.3:7; 23:33; Lk.3:7). Fiery flying serpent is a kind of snake that springs quickly from trees, on its prey (Isa.14:29).
They will carry their riches upon the shoulders of young asses . . . carry presents to Egypt (1 Ki.15:19). Young asses are full-grown asses which were plentiful in Judea to carry burdens, and means the great amount of riches that were carried into Egypt, either by the ambassadors, as presents to the Egyptians, to gain their friendship and assistance; or else by some of the principal inhabitants of Jerusalem and Judea, who, upon hearing of the invasion by Sennacherib, gathered up their riches, and fled to Egypt with them for safety, making use of young asses and camels, as follow.
And their treasures upon the bunches of camels . . . camels were much used in travelling through the deserts of Arabia, some camels have one hump, some have two humps on their backs, whereby they are better fitted to fasten and carry burdens. Upon the bunches . . . means upon the backs of the camels, which were braced by the humps of the camels. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Working_animal
To a people that shall not profit them . . . the Egyptians would be of absolutely NO service whatsoever to the Jews. They would in no way be able to free them from the invasion of the Assyrians.

Isaiah 30:7 For the Egyptians shall help in vain, and to no purpose: therefore have I cried concerning this, Their strength is to sit still. (KJV)

For the Egyptians shall help in vain, and to no purpose . . . Egypt would not send help, nor be of any service; although they made a show of help, and attempted to help them, or seemed to do so, yet failed to do it. Egypt would instead hinder and hurt, instead of helping. The Jews that were now so fond of the Egyptians, would in the end be ashamed of them, and of all their hopes and confidence in them (vs.3). The strength of Pharaoh, which was their pride, would instead be their shame; for all their neighbors would rebuke them, and the Jews would rebuke themselves, because of their with their stupidity in trusting them.  
Therefore have I cried concerning this . . . concerning this counsel or practice. It would have been better for the ambassadors to have saved all their strength and hard work, in going down to Egypt, and had remained quiet and easy in their own country.
Their strength is to sit still . . . it would have been much safer and better for them to sit quietly at home, seeking the Lord for help. Isaiah (or God) seems determined to use a vague word, Rahab, which signifies both strength (Job 9:13; Ps.90:10), and Egypt (Ps.87:4; Isa.51:9). Rahab is a symbolic name for Egypt: (Ps.87:4; 89:10; Isa.30:7; 51:9).  

Judgements is the End Result of
Their Contempt of God's Word (30:8-18)

Isaiah 30:8 Now go, write it before them in a table, and note it in a book, that it may be for the time to come for ever and ever: (KJV)

Now go, write it before them in a table, and note it in a book . . . a table (Hab.2:2), which should be set in public, containing the prophecy in a brief form, to be read by all. A book, meaning a parchment roll, containing the prophecy in full, for the use of distant future generations. Its truth will be seen hereafter when the event has come to pass (Isa.8:1, 16). This means their sins, their rebellion against God, their trust in an arm of flesh, their contempt of the God’s Word; or the prophecy of their destruction. The Lord orders to be written in some public place, as in the Temple, upon a table, a table of wood covered with wax, on which they formerly wrote, and then hung it up against a wall, that it might be read by everyone; and He would also have Isaiah write it in a book, that it might be kept for time to come. God was thoroughly disgusted with the blackness and detestableness of their sin.
That it may be for the time to come, for ever and ever . . . and so continue to their eternal dishonor and shame, and for the reason of God in His righteous proceedings against them, and to be a warning to others, for a testimony for ever (Deut.31:19,21,26). And this means us today!

Isaiah 30:9 That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD: (KJV)

That this is a rebellious people . . . this, with what follows, is what the Lord would have Isaiah write to remain forever; because this rebellious people rebels against God and His commands. Rebellious children: (Deut. 31:27-29; 32:20; Isa.1:4; 30:1; 65:2; Jer.5:23; 44:2-17; Zep.3:2; Mat.23; Acts 7:51).
Lying children . . . lying means being unfaithful to God, whose covenant they had taken on them as His adopted children (Isa.59:13; Pro.30:9). Lying children profess one thing and practice another. Many people profess to be Christians, but do NOT love Christ Jesus nor possess Him in their heart! Lying children are false counterfeit ones (hypocrites Mat.23), only called so, but are not really the children of God. They lie to themselves and to God! Lying children: (Isa.59:3; 63:8; Jer.9:3; Hos.4:2; Rev.21:8; 22:15).
Children that will not hear the law of the Lord . . . they may read or hear it, but they are NOT obedient to it and so God calls them rebellious and they do not deserve to be called the children of God. They will not hearken to God’s Word, will not receive the doctrine of the Law of the Lord: (2 Chron.33:10; 36:15-16; Neh.9:29-30; Pro.28:9; Jer.7:13; Zec.1:4-6:7:11-12; Rom.2:21-23). The law of the Lord is the commands of God, either contained in the Scriptures, or delivered by God’s TRUE prophets. There are many false teachers and false prophets in today’s world! http://judgmentcoming.org/j_c_cults.htm
http://judgmentcoming.org/f_falsehoods_false_teachers.1.htm

Isaiah 30:10 Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits: (KJV)

Which say to the seers, See not . . . God’s TRUE seers told them of their faults, warned them of their misery and danger that could be expected because of their sin, and they simply could not bear it. The same is with the prophets in the next clause.  
And to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things . . . the people wanted to hear only things that pleased their minds . . . NOT the things that agreed to the mind and will of God. Prophets are called seers: (1 Sam.9:19; 2 Sam.15:27; 24:11; 2 Ki.17:13; 1 Chron.9:22; 29:29; 2 Chron.9:29; 12:15; 29:30; Isa.30:10; Mic.3:7).
Speak unto us smooth things . . . they wanted the prophets to speak to them only smooth things, things that would NOT condemn them in their sins. They wanted to hear that they did well, and there was no harm nor danger in the course of life they lived . . . and IF the prophets did not speak good, smooth things . . . they wanted NO part of it! In today’s world, millions are being deceived by false teachers. Most of these pastors have a gift of gab. They could sell ice to the Eskimos! BEWARE!!! Check out everything they say or do with the Holy Word of God. In God’s eyes, people who do not want to hear the Truth, deserve to be deceived (2 Thes.2:10-12). Do NOT compromise with the world, just because the majority are in agreement on abortion and homosexuality, does NOT make it right! If it does NOT agree with the Holy Word of God, do NOT do it!   
Prophesy deceits . . . the people wanted to hear words of peace . . . they wanted the prophets to prophesy peace to them, even though destruction was right outside the door. They chose to be told a lie over the Truth, like so many today. Isaiah 5:20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! (KJV)

Isaiah 30:11 Get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us. (KJV)

Get ye out of the way: turn aside out of the path . . . out of the way where they now walked, out of their present way of preaching distasteful and terrible things to us.
This implies the people speaking: these two things mean the same thing; the people wanted the prophets to go out of their normal way of warning ruin and destruction; and to turn aside and not hinder the people in pursuing their own sensual lusts and pleasures. They did not want to hear the Truth, nor for the prophets to go the right way, which is God's way and join with them . . . they wanted only for the prophets to let them alone so they would NOT hear that they were sinners bound for the destruction of an eternal Hell.
Cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us . . . they did NOT want to be troubled with harsh and repeated messages from God. So often, when people hear any mention of the Lord’s Name, or a good servant say: “thus saith the Lord” . . . they want to hear no more. What a terrible shame! The Holy One of Israel is the only One who can save their soul from the lake of fire (Rev.20:15). Some people in Judah may have sought safety in Egypt. In their desire to find security, they wanted only to hear good news. They did not welcome the Truth from God's prophets. Truth often makes us uncomfortable. We prefer lies and deceptions because they make us feel better . . . BUT . . . it is much better to face reality than to live a lie. Don't settle for something that makes you feel comfortable but is not true.

***** The Jews were the only professing people that God then had in the world, yet so many of them were rebellious. They had light, but they loved darkness instead (Jn.3:19-21). The prophets warned them, but they refused to listen. But God’s faithful servants will not stop trying to wake up sleeping sinners. The Jews did not like to hear of God’s Holy commandments and His hatred of sin. They did not want to be reminded of something they already knew! Because they despised the Word of God, their sins would bring harsh judgment! They would be dashed in pieces like a potter's vessel (Ps.2:9; Jer.19:11). So too today! BEWARE!!!

As we read Isaiah, let us consider the Jews and their evil ways, and let us be warned by their rebellion and let us obey the Lord. Dear one, we can be empowered and strengthened in quietness and confidence, IF we keep trusting and relying upon God (Phil.4:13; 2 Cor.3:4-5). But, IF people refuse to repent of their sin, IF they do not turn to God seeking happiness and peace in His favor and service, they shall end in ruin, just as the people in Isaiah’s time! Only those who make God alone their only Confidence, will have comfort and peace in this world, and eternal life in Heaven one day in the next. Happy are those who wait for Him (Ps.25:21; 27:14; 31:24; 33:20; 37:34; 62:1,5; 130:5; Pro.20:22). 

Isaiah 30:12 Wherefore thus saith the Holy One of Israel, Because ye despise this word, and trust in oppression and perverseness, and stay thereon: (KJV)

Wherefore thus saith the Holy One of Israel . . . Holy One of Israel . . . Isaiah does NOT yield to their wicked partialities that he repeats the very Name and Truth which they so disliked. Pastors and teachers must NEVER seek to please men, nor the world . . . they should NOT be discouraged nor prevented from using phrases or names because they are not liked by wicked men. Today, people do NOT want the Name of Christ to be named! They do NOT want to hear the Name of Christ Jesus mentioned, nor His Gospel, nor the glorious truths of it! Pastors are forbidden to use the Holy Name of Jesus! Forbidden to Pray in Jesus' Name: http://www.wnd.com/2007/01/39655/#!
http://jesus-is-savior.com/Evils%20in%20America/Apostasy/military-no_jesus.htm
http://www.sermonindex.net/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=45386&forum=48
Because ye despise this word . . . this word . . . Isaiah urges and warns the people to rely on the Lord, the Holy One of Israel. The people then and now, hate the Word of God! This prophecy that was delivered to them, rebuked them for their confidence in Egypt, and encouraged them to sit still at home, and trust in the Lord; but instead, they trusted in what was very bad, as follows:
But trust in oppression and perverseness, and stay thereon . . . in the wealth which they most likely had gotten by oppression, where they thought to purchase Egyptian help (vs.6). Their wealth, gotten by oppression, rapine and fraud, they carried to Egypt, and on which they depended for help and relief. It was in this willful disposition of mind, that they contradicted the Lord speaking by His prophets. They resolved to take their own way, not once doubting that they would have success.

Isaiah 30:13 Therefore this iniquity shall be to you as a breach ready to fall, swelling out in a high wall, whose breaking cometh suddenly at an instant. (KJV)

Therefore this iniquity . . . this iniquity, of sending and trusting Egypt for help.
Shall be to you as a breach ready to fall . . . contempt for the Word of God, trusting in wickedness, rejecting the counsel of God, and placing confidence in the creature instead of Almighty God, these would be the cause of their ruin; which ruin is indicated by the break in a wall, which would mean it is in danger of falling, and is about ready to fall.
Swelling out in a high wall . . . like a wall that bulges, and when it once begins to do this, suddenly falls; and the higher it is, the harder it comes down with greater force, and so the greater is the fall.  
Whose breaking cometh suddenly at an instant . . . like a high wall which seems to be strong, but bulging in some parts, which could fall down suddenly to the ground. Such would be the matter of their high and towering confidence in Egypt.

Isaiah 30:14 And he shall break it as the breaking of the potters' vessel that is broken in pieces; he shall not spare: so that there shall not be found in the bursting of it a sherd to take fire from the hearth, or to take water withal out of the pit. (KJV)

And he shall break it as the breaking of the potter's vessel . . . He is either God, or he whom God shall send against them. Shall break it like a potter’s vessel. The ruin of this people is compared to a fragile pot breaking when it falls.
That is broken in pieces; he shall not spare . . . no pity shall be shown by the enemy, nor mercy from the Lord.
So that there shall not be found in the bursting of it a sherd to take fire from the hearth, or to take water withal out of the pit . . . all their confidences shall be not only weak as the potter's clay (Isa.29:16), but broken to pieces as the potter's vessel. He that has the rod of iron shall break it (Ps.2:9) and He shall not spare, shall not have any regard to it, nor take any care to preserve or keep whole any part of it. But, when once it is broken, it is unfit for use, let it be dashed, let it be crushed, all to pieces, so that there may not remain one piece big enough to take up a little fire or water . . . two things we all have daily need of, and which poor people commonly fetch in a piece of a broken pitcher. They shall not only be as a bulging wall, but also as a broken mug or glass, which is good for nothing, nor can ever be made whole again.

***** Because of their sins (vs.8-12), especially those having to do with despising the Word of God brought by the prophet and trusting in oppression and perverseness, their iniquity would fall upon them and destroy them like a crumbling wall suddenly breaking down on them, and like a potter's vessel being shattered (vs.12-14).

Isaiah 30:15 For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not. (KJV)

For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel . . . Isaiah is still repeating what displeases the carnal Jews, who aside from their ill conduct to the Lord, shames them to give them the best advice, as follows:
In returning and rest shall ye be saved . . . returning and rest, turning back from your task force to Egypt, and ceasing from warlike preparations, and by resting quietly at home, and relaxing as they trust in the Lord.
In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength . . . quietness (vs.7, 18), answers to wait for Him (God), or be still and know that I am God (Ps.46:10). In quietness (Ps.23:2; 46:4; Isa.49:9-10; Jer.30:1-24; 46:27), instead of waiting in quiet submission for the will of God, and quietly waiting upon Him for the event of things, abiding in their own houses, and not hurrying to and fro in a uncontrolled manner, and in a holy and humble assurance and confidence in the Lord, and in the power of his might (Eph.6:10) where they would find such strength and security, whereas Pharaoh king of Egypt could NOT give them.
And ye would not . . . they would not listen to the prophet, would not be persuaded to stay at home and not go down to Egypt; would not take the advice given, but pursue their own measures and methods of salvation.

*****The literal sense of the words can be given to spiritual and eternal salvation . . . and may be considered this way: repentance (sorrow for sin) may be meant by returning, and faith by rest. By returning and rest may mean returning TO rest, that is, to Christ, who is the only rest to weary souls. Quietness may mean peace of conscience, which comes only from the Blood and Righteousness of Christ (Jn.14:27; Eph.2:14-17. Phil.4:7); and confidence could well be faith, and an assurance of it, which makes strong Christians. Faith and repentance are blessings of the covenant of grace, gifts of God, and graces of the Spirit, which go hand in hand in the doctrine of salvation.

Isaiah 30:16 But ye said, No; for we will flee upon horses; therefore shall ye flee: and, We will ride upon the swift; therefore shall they that pursue you be swift. (KJV)

But ye said, No, for we will flee upon horses . . . flee upon horses, this may mean their fleeing on horses and camels with their riches into Egypt, both for the security of them and their persons (vs.6). Some information on horses: A vain thing for safety: (Ps.33:17; Pro.21:31); Used by the Egyptians in war: (Ex.14:9; 15:19); Egypt famous for: (Isa.31:1);  Forbidden to the kings of Israel: (Deut.17:16);  Israel rebuked for keeping horses: (Isa.2:7; 31:1; Eze.17:15; Hos.14:3). http://www.godcannotlie.org/hos_ch14.htm
Therefore shall ye flee . . . We will flee out of this land from the king of Assyria; which very probably means what many of the richer people did, having sent their treasures before them (vs.6).
And, We will ride upon the swift . . . horses or camels, because of the swiftness of them, which they trusted, and did not doubt that they would get away safely, but would find themselves totally mistaken.  
Therefore shall they that pursue you be swift . . . for the Assyrians would ride swifter animals than the horses and camels the Jews rode on, overtake them, and either put them to death, or carry them captive. The Chaldeans are represented as very swift (Jer.4:13; Hab.1:8). http://www.godcannotlie.org/habakkuk_ch1.htm

Isaiah 30:17 One thousand shall flee at the rebuke of one; at the rebuke of five shall ye flee: till ye be left as a beacon upon the top of a mountain, and as an ensign on an hill. (KJV)

One thousand shall flee at the rebuke of one . . .  shall flee; which words are fitly supplied out of the following clause. A troop of mounted troops, consisting of a thousand men, shall flee on the attack of one single person, so terrified they would be, so overcome with the fear of the enemy. What was promised to them with respect to their enemies is here turned against them (Lev.26:7-8, Deut.32:30).  
At the rebuke of five shall ye flee . . .  At the rebuke; either, #1. At his real rebuke, upon his assault or onset; Or # 2. At his verbal rebuke, at his mere threats, as fearing that he will proceed from words to blows. Shall ye flee; all of you, however numerous.
Till ye be left as a beacon upon the top of a mountain . . . until you be generally destroyed, only a few of you will be left.
And as an ensign on a hill . . . a banner of victory. The symbols is to show that there would be only a few that would escape falling into the enemy's hand, that would he scattered about, and be very thin, and should be warnings to others of pursuing the same foolish and sinful methods and practices.

*****The one who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a Rewarder of those who seek Him. NO one can please God without faith (Heb.11:6). It greatly pleasures the Lord when we exercise our faith and our trust in Him. If we trust, we need not worry . . . but IF we worry, we do NOT trust Him! When Israel said that she would not trust God, but would flee upon horses, the Lord declared that since she had taken this attitude, they would have to flee; and He assured (promised) them, that their pursuers and their persecutors would be much faster than they, and that a great calamity would overcome them. 1000 shall flee at the threat of ONE! The least threat would cause them to run like scared rabbits, Every sin and disobedience to Almighty God receives a just payment of reward. God must, and shall deal with every person or nation according to the merits of his or her case. According to works:  (Ps.62:12; Pro.24:12, 29; Isa.59:18; Jer.21:14; 25:14; 32:19; Lam.3:64; Eze.7:8-9; 18:30; Hos.12:2; Zec.1:6; Mat.16:27; Rom.2:6; 2 Tim.4:14; Rev.2:23; 18:6; 20:12-13; 22:12).

Advice to Turn to the Lord for Deliverance (30:18)

God tells us that IF we turn to Him, He will deliver us (vs.15). This is a marvelous gem of Scriptures that we should not forget! God cannot lie (Tit.1:2).

Isaiah 30:18 And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him. (KJV)

And therefore will the Lord wait . . .  therefore means what was said before, it means the Lord will wait as a result of their general destruction and great misery; which is frequently mentioned in Scripture as a motive to God's mercy (Deut. 32:36). Wait patiently, and expect their repentance, so He could stop the course of His judicial proceedings against them, that they may have a chance of making peace with Him, and prevent their widespread ruin.
That he may be gracious unto you  . . . even though such an utter destruction shall be made, there would be a few that the Lord has a good will to, and for that reason, He waits until the set time comes to have mercy on them. It seems that he has fixed the time when He will show this mercy.
And therefore will he be exalted . . .  the Lord will lift up and stir Himself to work gloriously in their behalf (Ps.21:13; 46:10; Isa.33:10), and as the following verses explain it.
That he may have mercy upon you . . . in the Great Tribulation Period (Zec.14; Rev.19).
For the Lord is a God of judgment . . . of the Jews only Isaiah speaks in this place, with judgment and discretion, or with equity and moderation; for judgment is often opposed to fury and rigorous justice (Ps.112:5; Jer.10:24; 30:11).
Blessed are all they that wait for him . . . Blessed are ALL those that wait for him (Ps.37:7; 62:5; Isa.8:17; 30:18; Lam.3:25), this waiting upon God with faith and patience (Gal.5:22), is a much surer way to your safety and happiness, than seeking Egypt, or any other carnal, worldly remedies.

*****In Isaiah’s time, the Jews were the only professing people God then had in the world, yet so many of them rebelled. They had the light, but they loved darkness instead. The prophets tried to keep them from their sinful pursuits, so that they could live without fear; but the people wanted no part of their rebukes! But faithful ministers will not be driven from trying to awaken sinners. God is the Holy One of Israel, and so ALL people one day shall find Him (Isa.45:23; Rom.14:11; Phil.2:10). The Jews did not like to hear of God’s Holy Commandments and His hatred of sin . . . neither do the people in today’s world! They desired that they might no more be reminded of these things, nor do the rebellious ones in today’s world want to hear it. But since they despised the Word of God, their sins undercut their safety. Their condition would be dashed in pieces like a potter's vessel. Let us all stop our evil ways, and do what we know is right with God. Nothing would delight the Heart of God more than us letting Him have full control and possession of our lives and working in and through them His plans, purposes and will.

God's Mercies to His Church (30:19-26)

Isaiah 30:19 For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem: thou shalt weep no more: he will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry; when he shall hear it, he will answer thee. (KJV)

For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem . . . although the time is coming, when the people shall be banished from Jerusalem, and carried captives into Babylon; yet after a set time they shall return again to Jerusalem, and have a fixed and comfortable home there: which was in part accomplished upon their return from Babylon.
Thou shalt weep no more . . . although they had been weeping because of the enemy's invasion of their land, and besieging their city, yet now all tears would be wiped away from their eyes, being delivered from him . . . this may look forward to the last days of the Gospel times.
He will be very gracious unto thee, at the voice of thy cry . . . these are the words of the prophet, declaring that the Lord would be gracious to His people, when He heard the voice of their prayer and supplication to Him in their distress, as He was to the voice of Hezekiah's cry and supplication to Him.
When he shall hear it, he will answer thee . . . the Lord always hears the prayers of His TRUE people (Jews or Gentiles), and He always answers them, sooner or later, in His own time, and in His own way (Isa.65:24). He will answer thee . . . whereas at that time, He seemed to be deaf to their prayers.

*****For over 1900 years the Almighty Lord Jesus has been anxiously awaiting the time when Israel will exalt, honor and praise Him, so that He might extend His grace and comfort to her and deliver her from all her troubles. The Lord cannot ignore, moral facts and spiritual principles. His Holiness will not allow Him to dispense His blessings generally upon even those who are called by His Name. His Holiness and His demand for purity on the part of His people is a must. The Lord Jesus has been eager to be gracious to His Chosen People (Israel) who are scattered to the four corners of the Earth (1 Ki.22:17; 2 Chron.18:16; Est.3:8; Ps.18:14; 44:11; 60:1; Isa.18:2,7; 50:17; Eze.6:8; 11:16; 17:21; 20:34,41; 28:25; Zec.7:14). But God can never be gracious and merciful to them until they exalt Him, for He is a God of justice. But according to Isaiah 30:19 the time will come when He will have mercy on His people and He will restore them to their accustomed place . . . and to the land which He gave to Abraham and his seed for a permanent possession.
http://www.worldlychaos.org/w_c_israel.html

Isaiah 30:20 And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction, yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more, but thine eyes shall see thy teachers: (KJV)

And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction . . .
in that time they will be subject to many outward troubles and afflictions. The bread of adversity or affliction (Deut.16:3; 1 Ki.22:27; 2 Chron.18:26; Isa.30:20). He seems to refer to the condition of besieged cities, and mainly Jerusalem, as it was distressed and troubled by Sennacherib, and as it would be far more impoverished by the Chaldeans (2 Ki.25:3). It may refer to the poor, mean and afflicted state of the people of God, in the first times of the Gospel.  
Yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more . . . some interpret this thy rain, for the same word means both rain and a teacher . . . for doctrine from the mouth of a teacher drops like rain upon the tender herb, and as showers on the grass, and is to be understood, not merely in a literal sense, of rain, and fruitfulness by it, but the opposite of poverty and famine for lack of it; but if rain is the spiritual doctrine; the sense is much the same as if it was teachers.
But thine eyes shall see thy teachers . . . in their proper place, doing their work. It means not just seeing them with their bodily eyes, but a seeing them with pleasure and delight, being diligent and attentive of what they said. Some understand these teachers to be the Levite priests and prophets in that time, the major one being Isaiah. Others think it may be applied to John the Baptist, Christ, and His apostles, and other Gospel ministers. One interprets it of God Himself, and may mean all three Persons of the Triune God. I for one cannot deny this, because I know for a fact, that when God chose me to teach His Word well over 40 years ago, He Himself taught me what He wanted me to know and He (His Spirit) keeps giving me wisdom and words with each new day.

Isaiah 30:21 And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left. (KJV)

And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee . . . as often as needed, they will hear the voice of God's Word and Spirit directing them in their daily path. Some say this is a reference to the backsliding and declining state of the people (vs.11), and is thought to be a reference to schoolmasters, who stand behind their scholars to guide, teach and instruct them; while others think it refers to shepherds following their flocks, who, when they observe any of the sheep going out of the way, call them back. This word behind is by the Jews and by others interpreted to be the voice of conscience; but to me, it seems to mean the Spirit of God and His grace. Saying, This is the way, walk ye in it . . . the Holy Spirit directs us to Christ, the Way (Jn.14:6), and who is the Only Way of life and salvation to be walked in by faith. The word behind is always a promise of being led right, never a threat of being led wrong.  
When ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left . . . if you by chance wander off the road, you will hear His voice behind you saying, here is right road, stay on it (Jn.16:13). We ALL through ignorance or carelessness, sometimes stray off that narrow path, but we do not need to stay there!

*****And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee . . . Again, I cannot deny this to be fact! Many years ago, the Lord started giving me Evangelistic Poetry. I am NOT a poet. The poems that are on our web site are His poems, not mine. I am simply His servant that writes down the words that He gives me. I have had many inmates call these poems miracles. www.hisservantsministry.org

Isaiah 30:22 Ye shall defile also the covering of thy graven images of silver, and the ornament of thy molten images of gold: thou shalt cast them away as a menstruous cloth; thou shalt say unto it, Get thee hence. (KJV)

Ye shall defile also the covering of thy graven images of silver . . . Ye shall defile, is to show contempt for it, to make it unfit for your own or any other's use. Some images were made of solid silver, covered with rich and costly garments; or were covered and decorated with plates of silver (Jer.10:3-11). These they not only pulled down and defaced, but defiled, to show their contempt and hatred of them.
And the ornament of thy molten images of gold . . . some images (idols) were made of solid gold, covered with a costly garment, such as a one the high priest wore, and Micah made for his house of idolatry (Ex.28:6; Judg.17:5). Idols of silver and gold: (Ex. 32:4,8; Deut.29:17; Judg.17:3-4; Ps.115:4-7; 135:15-17;  Isa.2:20; 30:22; 31:7; Hos. 8:4; Rev.9:20). http://jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/5790-ephod
Thou shall cast them away as a menstruous cloth . . . which is not only filthy and disgusting, but defiling; whoever touched it was unclean by the law for a time; or as a woman in her monthly courses, who, during that time, was to be separate from her husband (Lev.15:19). This is said to express the pollution and horror of idols, and of the utter rejection of them. They were to so deeply hate idolatry, that they would cast away with anger anything connected to it. This goes for us today as well.
Thou shall say unto it, Get thee hence . . . they were to cast them out, declare a hatred of idols, repent for worshipping them, and state that they would have nothing more to do with them. This shows the effectiveness of the Word of God when it comes not in word only, but with the power and Spirit of God. This was fulfilled in some measure in Hezekiah's time (2 Ki.18:4; 2 Chron.29:16; 31:1), and after the Babylon captivity when the Jews stopped their idolatry, and never more returned to it. It shall again prevail in the Pagan Roman Empire in the last days, and will be more largely accomplished when the great whore (Rev.ch.13 & 17), shall be utterly destroyed through the powerful ministration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Isaiah 30:23 Then shall he give the rain of thy seed, that thou shalt sow the ground withal; and bread of the increase of the earth, and it shall be fat and plenteous: in that day shall thy cattle feed in large pastures. (KJV)

Then shall he give thee rain of thy seed, that thou shalt sow the ground withal . . .
rain of thy seed means when the seed is sown in the Earth, the Lord will give the rain and cause it to take root and spring up.
And bread of the increase of the earth . . . the Earth, being watered with rain, would give its increase of grain, of which bread would be made; so that there would be seed to the sower, and bread to the eater (Isa.55:10).  
And it shall be fat and plenteous . . . very good bread, and plenty of it; and after the siege of the city by Sennacherib's army was broke up, and that was destroyed, for years following there was great fruitfulness in the land, as was foretold (Isa.37:30) and this may mean the great fruitfulness of the Gospel, and the quality of the spiritual food of it, and of the blessings of grace that come by it.
In that day shall thy cattle feed in large pastures . . . indicating that there would be lush pastures for cattle in the several parts of the country, and these large pastures where cattle would feed, would have an abundance. This clause seems to belong to verse 24, and should rightly begin it. As the pastures would be fruitful, the cattle would be well fed; so there would be plenty of provision for man and beast.

Isaiah 30:24 The oxen likewise and the young asses that ear the ground shall eat clean provender, which hath been winnowed with the shovel and with the fan. (KJV)

The oxen likewise and the young asses that ear the ground . . . to ear the ground means to till it, plow it, get it ready to plant.
Shall eat clean provender . . . provender indicates a mixture, such as cattle eat, especially horses, as beans, oats, barley and fitches, and of which there would be plenty, that the cattle should eat of it; not of the chaff and husks of these which was not used as food for these animals. Only the grain that was cleansed was their food.
Which hath been winnowed with the shovel and with the fan . . . with the cleansed grain as provender (food), there was great plenty that cattle would feed on.  The sense is, there would be a great abundance of grain, that their animals, instead of straw, should eat corn; and that not in the ear, or with the straw, but the pure grain.

Isaiah 30:25 And there shall be upon every high mountain, and upon every high hill, rivers and streams of waters in the day of the great slaughter, when the towers fall. (KJV)

And there shall be upon every high mountain, and upon every high hill . . . every high mountain and high hill around Jerusalem, and in other parts of Judea, are commonly dry and barren, and deprived of rivers. The high mountains and high hills became,
Rivers and streams of water . . . because there was such an abundance of rain, that it flowed in streams like rivers, from the higher to the lower lands, and watered them. This may be understood in a spiritual sense of the great plenty of the ministry of the Gospel, in all the kingdoms of the world, great and small, signified by mountains and hills; and which may also mean the ministrations of it in them (Zec.14:8; Joel 3:18), or of the blessings of grace, and the graces of the Spirit, communicated everywhere (Isa.41:18; 44:3; Jn.7:38-39). This is applied to the times of the Messiah by the Jews themselves, and looks to the latter part of those times.
In the day of the great slaughter . . . when God shall destroy the enemies of His people, a He showers His blessings upon His church. This is not Sennacherib's army killed by the angel (Isa.37:33-36), nor of the Babylonians, at the taking of Babylon by Cyrus (Dan.5:30-31); this is the time of the Antichrist in the Great Tribulation when the anti-Christian kings, and their armies, a great slaughter it will be indeed (Rev.19:11-21). http://www.godcannotlie.org/book_of_daniel_ch5.htm
When the towers fall . . . this is not the fortifications destroyed in the Assyrian camp at the siege of Jerusalem, which fell when they were destroyed by the angel; or the great men and princes in that army, which then fell; this looks forward to the anti-Christian rulers and the fall of the great city of Rome. This is to be understood of spiritual Babylon (Rome), and not of literal Babylon (Rev.18).

Isaiah 30:26 Moreover the light of the moon shall be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun shall be sevenfold, as the light of seven days, in the day that the LORD bindeth up the breach of his people, and healeth the stroke of their wound. (KJV)

Moreover the light of the moon shall be as the light of the sun . . . as the light of the sun, for reliability and brightness; which, as also the following clause, is to be understood symbolically, of the most glorious and comfortable condition of God's church, far surpassing what it was in times before. This, as well as other Passages in this chapter, concerns the times of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, that refers to the great light of the Gospel under the dispensation of it, which would far exceed the light of the former dispensation, comparable to the moon, as the light of the sun exceeds the light of the moon.
And the light of the sun shall be sevenfold, as the light of seven days . . . as the light of seven days, as if the light of seven days were combined together in one. The light of the Gospel shall then be much more bright and glorious than it has ever been.
This seems more likely, because it is the manner of Isaiah, who is rightly called the evangelical prophet, to take every occasion to speak of the days of the Messiah, and the holy privileges of that time and state of the church, among which he constantly calls light. The light of the New Jerusalem (Isa.24:23; 60:19-20; Rev.21:10-11, 23-24).
In the day that the LORD bindeth up the breach of his people, and healeth the stroke of their wound . . . when God shall effectively cure the wounds and breaches of His people, first making up the breach between him and them, then making Israel and Judah to be one, who now are sadly divided; and making Jew and Gentile to be one fold under one Shepherd, Christ the Messiah, which the prophets foretold that it shall be in the latter times of the Gospel. Peace shall be made by the precious Blood of Christ (1 Pet.1:18-19) between God and His people, and they are healed by His stripes (Isa.53:5; 1 Pet.2:24), and the Jew and Gentile shall be reconciled in one body because of His cross, and through the preaching of the Gospel (Gal.3:26-29); but as will be in the latter day, the fulness of the Gentiles will be brought in (Rom.11:25), and all Israel shall be saved (Rom.11:26); and all the Lord's people will be ONE in His Hands. This will be at the time of the rising and ascending of the two witnesses (Rev.11).

*****In verses 23-26 we have a beautiful picture of the ideal conditions which will take place Millennial Age (Rev.20). At the time of Israel's conversion God will lift the curse from the Earth (Gen.3:17), and will restore conditions as they should be, which existed before man's disobedience. The Lord will give the rain in the proper season and that there will be an abundance of crops because the Earth will respond in its full strength. There will be plenty of food for the cattle and the other animals. There will be no desert, nor barren mountains or hills, for brooks and streams of water shall gush forth from the bowels of the Earth at the end of this period of slaughter (Rev.19:11-21).

In today’s world, we often have dark, gloomy, dismal days, especially in certain sections of the world. When that day arrives the moon will give a brighter light. So will the sun. Atmospheric conditions will be completely different from what they are now. This will all occur, in the day that the LORD bindeth up the breach of his people, and healeth the stroke of their wound. As we are told from other parts of the Word of God, that the LORD will heal His people when they acknowledge their sin and plead for forgiveness (Ps.50:15; 78:34; 83:16; Pro.1:27-28; 8:17; Isa.26:9, 16; Lev.26:40; Hos.5:15; 6:1-3; Mat.23:37-39). People back in Isaiah’s time, nor people today will NOT admit they are sinners, nor will they plead for God’s forgiveness, but dear one, unless a person does this, they are headed for the lake of fire which is Hell! (Mat.25:41, 46; Jn.3:18-20, 36; Rev.20:15). Every wicked person, and that is in God’s eyes, all those who reject God’s only begotten Son, Jesus, shall stand before the Great and Mighty Judge Jesus one day (Rev.20:11-15), and NO one shall be able to stand before the wrath of God. BEWARE!!!

The Ruin of the Assyrian Army, and of All God's Enemies (30:27-33)

This begins the last part of this awesome chapter, wherein Almighty God, through Isaiah, gives them an earnest (down payment) of the greater mercies promised for times to come (last days), by promising them of the approaching destruction of the Assyrian forces.

Isaiah 30:27 Behold, the name of the LORD cometh from far, burning with his anger, and the burden thereof is heavy: his lips are full of indignation, and his tongue as a devouring fire: (KJV)

Behold, the name of the LORD cometh from far . . . The name of the LORD means the Lord Himself: for as the names of men are oft put for the men themselves (Num.26:53; Acts 1:15; Rev.3:4; 11:13); so too, the name of God is often put for God Himself (Gen.4:26; Deut.28:58; Ps.20:1, 7).
From here to the end of the chapter is a full account, by way of prophecy, of the destruction of the Assyrian army by the Lord; and which is to be considered as a type of the future destruction of the Antichrist, by and at the Coming of the Lord Jesus (Rev.19:11-21). It is introduced with behold, a way of declaring something of importance worthy of attention and wonderful. The name of the LORD is the Lord himself; unless it is to be understood of the angel that came in the name of the Lord, and destroyed Sennacherib's army (Isa.37:33-36), who may be said to come from far, because Christ came from Heaven; and from where Christ shall come to judge the world (Rev.19:11-21), and to take vengeance on all His and His people's enemies, the Antichrist and all his satanic followers.
Burning with his anger . . . angry with the Assyrian monarch and his army. So will be our Lord, when He shall come to make war with the anti-Christian kings of the Earth, His eyes shall be as a flame of fire (Rev.1:14): and when he comes to judge the world, He will descend in flaming fire (Rev.19:12; 2 Thes.1:8). The day of the Lord will burn as an oven (Mal.4:1). Do you see that all this is a warning for people today? These things shall happen, exactly as Isaiah and the apostle John prophesied!
And the burden thereof is heavy . . . the LORD will inflict heavy judgments upon them because of His burning anger and hot displeasure, judgments will be heavy, even intolerable, heavier than can be borne (Gen.4:13).  
His lips are full of indignation, and his tongue as a devouring fire . . . the words Christ shall speak, and the sentence He will pronounce will be dreadful to say the least, so sharp, as the sharp sword that goes out of the mouth of Christ (Rev.19:15), with which He will smite the nations. It will be such the awful sentence pronounced by Him on the wicked, go, ye cursed, into everlasting fire (Mat.25:41). Judgment shall be executed by the angels (Mat.13:39-49). For from before Him goes out the curse upon the ungodly, for God and His Word are as a consuming fire (Deut.4:24; 9:3; Heb.12:29).
His lips are full of indignation, and his tongue as a devouring fire . . . the LORD shall pronounce a severe sentence against them, and will give command for the execution of it . . . and dear one . . . there shall be absolutely NO appeal!

Isaiah 30:28 And his breath, as an overflowing stream, shall reach to the midst of the neck, to sift the nations with the sieve of vanity: and there shall be a bridle in the jaws of the people, causing them to err. (KJV)

And his breath as an overflowing stream . . . His breath will be like a flash flood, or spewing lava from a volcano which comes with great swiftness and force, ripping out all before it, breathing out nothing but the fire of divine wrath, before which there is NO one who shall be able to stand. Neither could the Assyrian army stand before it, for suddenly, in a moment, it was carried away with the force of it . . .  it shall be the same when our Lord will consume the man of sin (2 Thes.2:3), with the Spirit or Breath of His Mouth, and destroy him with the brightness of His Coming (2 Thes.2:8), and this stream,
Shall reach to the midst of the neck . . . this states the extreme danger the army would be in, like a man that cannot swim that is up to the neck in water, and has no way to escape. This was fulfilled in Sennacherib, who was highly endangered, when he lost such a great part of his army, and shortly after slain by his very own sons (Isa.37:36-38).
To sift the nations with the sieve of vanity . . . to sift means to shake and scatter, as with a sieve; or to try and vex, as this symbol indicates (Am. 9:9; Lk.22:31). The nations is the Assyrian army, which was made up of the people of several nations. The breath, wind or Spirit of the Lord, is compared to an overflowing stream, should be of this use and have this effect, to sift the people of several nations, of which the Assyrian army consisted, so as to dash them one against another, and utterly destroy them; for they were to be sifted, not with a good sieve, which retains the grain, and shakes out the chaff, or so as to have some taken out and spared . . . this means with a sieve that lets everything through, and so be brought to nothing . . . thus will it be with all the anti-Christian nations, they shall be agitated, shaken and destroyed.
And there shall be a bridle in the jaws of the people, causing them to err . . . God will restrain and overrule them by His awesome power. Causeth them to err . . . where bridles are used to guide creatures to go the right way, this shall turn them go the wrong way, by giving them up to their own mistakes, and foolish counsels, and wicked courses (2 Thes.2-12), which shall bring them to sore and certain ruin.

*****One of the most graphic pictures of the Coming of the Lord is found in verses 27 and 28. The reader should consider the fact that the LORD cometh from far. When we study these verses carefully, we see that this is a prediction of the Second Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ when He shall come in flaming fire to take vengeance on ALL those who know not God and who obey not the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Thes.1:8; 1 Pet.4:17; 2 Pet.3:7).

When the Lord Jesus comes in fulfillment of this prophecy, He will sift the nations (Mat.25:31-46), with the sieve of destruction and will destroy the bridle that is in the jaws of the people and that causes them to err. The Lord will take into His almighty grip the entire world situation, He will correct all wrongs, and adjust all differences (Mat.6:10). At that time He will set up that reign of righteousness for which every earnest heart yearns.

Isaiah 30:29 Ye shall have a song, as in the night when a holy solemnity is kept; and gladness of heart, as when one goeth with a pipe to come into the mountain of the LORD, to the mighty One of Israel. (KJV)

Ye shall have a song . . . the Jews should have a song, and sing it upon the ruin of the Assyrian army; as the Israelites had, when Pharaoh and his host were drowned in the Red Sea (Ex.15:1-21); and so will the Christian church have one (Rev.15:3-4), at the fall of spiritual Babylon, Rome (Rev.18).
As in the night, when a holy solemnity is kept; and gladness of heart . . . Isaiah mentions the night, either because the Jewish feasts began in the evening, and were celebrated with great joy in part of the night season, as well as on the following day; or because he had a specific respect to the seriousness of the Passover, in which they spent some considerable part of the night in feasting, and rejoicing, and singing of psalms and songs before the Lord.
As when one goeth with a pipe to come into the mountain of the Lord . . . the Temple; it being usual for persons, that came from distant parts of the land to the Temple to worship, to bring musical pipes (1 Sam.10:5) along with them in their hands, and play upon them as they were travelling. Some think this refers to the bringing up of the first fruits to the Temple at Jerusalem, which was preceded by a pipe (Isa.5:12).
To the mighty One of Israel . . . or, Rock of Israel; one of the Names of the Messiah, (2 Sam.23:3), to whom the song of praise and triumph shall be sung, in the latter day, by those that stand upon Mount Zion, with harps in their hands, having gotten the victory over the beast and his image (Rev.14:1-4; 15:1-4). When we read verse 29, we sees that the Jewish nation will at that time be joyfully expecting the Lord's Return. When will they sing this song? When will they be jubilant, looking forward expectantly to something wonderful in the future? It can be no other time than that which immediately precedes the Second Coming of our Lord to the Earth (Rev.19:11-21).

Isaiah 30:30 And the LORD shall cause his glorious voice to be heard, and shall shew the lighting down of his arm, with the indignation of his anger, and with the flame of a devouring fire, with scattering, and tempest, and hailstones. (KJV)

And the Lord shall cause his glorious voice to be heard . . . or, the glory of His majestic Voice, the Voice of His Word, giving orders for the destruction of the Assyrian army; this was heard by the angel who obeyed it (Isa.37:33-36), and such a voice will be heard, ordering the destruction of Antichrist, and the anti-Christian powers, in the pouring out of the vials by the angels (Rev.16). This voice is commonly spoken of as thunder, which is the Voice of the Lord, and a very majestic voice indeed (Ex.19:16; 1 Sam.7:10; Job 37:2-5; 40:9; Ps.29:3-4; Jn.12:29; Rev.4:5; 8:5; 11:19;16:18; 19:6). The destruction of the Assyrian army could have been destroyed by thunder, lightning and hailstones, and attended with such a tempest as here described, although it is not mentioned in the history of it.
And shall show the lighting down of his arm . . . the lightning down of his arm upon the Assyrian, whom He will smite with a deadly blow in the face of the world. The expression is taken from the movement of a man who is about to smite another, who first lifts up his hand, and then brings it down with great force upon him whom he designs to strike. The meaning is most likely what would descend from Heaven at the time of this tempest, such as thunderbolts, balls of fire, hailstones . . . and by all these things may be meant the heavy judgments of God, which fell upon His enemies, and were intolerable to them.
With the indignation of his anger . . . with great wrath, which is indicated by the heaping of so many words of the same meaning together, shows the force and excess of anger.
And with the flame of a devouring fire . . . or of a fire devouring the Assyrian army. This flame of fire, will consume the graven images. The destruction of spiritual Babylon will be by fire (Rev.18:8-9; 19:3). 
With scattering, and tempest, and hailstones . . . with lightning, which breaks things in pieces, and scatters them here and there, and with a violent storm of rain and hail (Rev.16:18-21).

God Will Deal With the Final Assyrian (30:31-33)

Isaiah 30:31  For through the voice of the LORD shall the Assyrian be beaten down, which smote with a rod. (KJV)

For through the voice of the Lord shall the Assyrian be beaten down . . . the voice mentioned in the last verse. The Assyrian is a title of the Antichrist in the latter days (Isa.10:24; 14:25; Mic.5:5-6).
Which smote with a rod . . . which was the rod (judgment) that God used to smite His and other people (Isa.10:5-6, 24). He who used a rod to smite others shall now be smitten himself.

*****At the Second Coming of Christ, He will cause His glorious Voice to be heard, and will have, as it were, lighting down of His Arm, with the fury of his anger, and the flame of a devouring fire, with a blast, and tempest, and hailstones when He marches into battle against the Antichrist who is here called the Assyrian (vs. 31). The Assyrian of Isaiah's day was the dominant figure upon the political horizon and represented world dominion of that day and time, as will also be the Antichrist in the Great Tribulation Period. He will be a Roman prince who will sit upon the throne of the world and be its dictator. The world will be headed by him, for to him will be given authority and power over every race, tribe, tongue and language (Rev. 13:7-8). Because of these facts, it is clear that the one whom Isaiah called the Assyrian here can be none other than this soon to come world dictator of the last day. The Antichrist will be slain by the Personal Appearance of the Lord Jesus Christ (Rev.19:11-21).

Isaiah 30:32 And in every place where the grounded staff shall pass, which the LORD shall lay upon him, it shall be with tabrets and harps: and in battles of shaking will he fight with it. (KJV)

And in every place where the grounded staff shall pass . . . the grounded staff is the judgment of God, which is often called a rod in Scripture, and could be here called a founded rod, or the rod of foundation because it was firmly established, and was certain to come, by God's irreversible purpose and appointment. The storm before mentioned (vs.30), the wrath and righteous judgment of God, founded upon His unalterable purposes and decrees; and wherever it came, it would fall hard, sink deep, stand firm and remain fixed and sure, like a rod or staff fastened in the Earth.
Which the Lord shall lay upon him . . . shall lay, or cause to rest upon him . . . the Lord would lay His rod upon him (the Assyrian), and let it stay there, so that it would be a destroying rod or staff, and that it would continue, in place, until it had done what the Lord fully had commanded and utterly destroyed him. God's dealing with His people, upon whom He will not suffer the rod of the wicked to rest upon them. I must bring forth this Passage. Read it carefully. Psalm 125:3 For the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity. (KJV) . . . Do you see what this says? The rod of the wicked (God’s judgment on the wicked), shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous (God’s true people), lest (unless) the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity.
May I suggest that IF you are a TRUE child of God, and IF you have backslid, get it right with the Lord as soon as possible. . . . . . . . http://www.godcannotlie.org/true_children_of_god.htm
It shall be with tabrets and harps . . . the idea is either, #1. Their destruction shall be celebrated by God's people with joy, music and songs of praise. Or, #2. The victory shall be gotten, not by warlike instruments and achievements, but as it were by tabrets and harps; where he may possibly refer to the victory which Jehoshaphat got against Moab and Ammon, not by fighting; but only by singing and praising God with the voice, and with musical instruments (2 Chron.20:19-22, 27-28); God being pleased to fight for them by His own unexpected power; which also was the case here, which made the people of God sing a triumph before the fight.
And in battles of shaking will he fight with it . . . the Lord will fight with them in battles, by shaking His Hand over them in a way of judgment, and thereby shake them to pieces, and utterly destroy them (Rev.19:11-21). By God's shaking His Hand against them, means He threatens judgment (Isa.10:32; 11:15; 19:16).

*****The time when Israel eats the bread of adversity and drinks the water of affliction (vs.20),is none other than the Tribulation Period. At that time the Lord will have teachers, faithful men, who will minister especially to Israel, pointing her to the way in which she should go. If we read this Passage in the light of similar Scriptures, especially Revelation ch.7, I feel certain that these teachers who are here referred to (vs.20) are none other than the 144,000 Jewish evangelists to whom we are now giving the Gospel. They will not seek the favor of anyone, nor fear men, but will give forth the Word of God faithfully. They will therefore instruct the penitent remnant of Israel how she should go. When Israel reaches her farthest point, she will finally turn from all of her idolatry; not just the uncultured practices but its more civilized aspects, such as covetousness, which is idolatry (Col.3:5).

Isaiah 30:33  For Tophet is ordained of old; yea, for the king it is prepared; he hath made it deep and large: the pile thereof is fire and much wood; the breath of the LORD, like a stream of brimstone, doth kindle it. (KJV)

For Tophet is ordained of old . . . Tophet (2 Ki.23:10; 2 Chron.28:3; 33:6; Jer.7:31-32; 19:6, 11-14; 32:35). Tophet was a place near Jerusalem, where the idolatrous Jews Israelites used cruel methods to offer up their children to Moloch (2 Chron. 28:3; 33:6; Jer.7:31-32; 19:6). They murdered their children. People today murder their children by another method, that being abortion! Tophet is literally in the valley of Hinnom, in which the Assyrian host was either slain by the angel (Isa.37:33-36), for although the Assyrians did not make any great attempt upon Jerusalem (Isa.37:36), yet Rabshakeh came very close to it with a great army (Isa.36:2). Or, Tophet can be symbolic, and mean Hell, the lake of fire.
Yea, for the king it is prepared . . . Is ordained (intended); or was ordered or prepared. Hezekiah took great care to purge Tophet and other horrid places used for idolatry (2 Ki.18:4; 2 Chron.31:1; 33:3). Maybe Tophet was ordained for Hezekiah to do this . . . but as for Hell, there is NO doubt, Hell, the lake of fire, was ordained and prepared by God for the punishment of impenitent sinners.
He hath made it deep and large . . . Hell is large enough and deep enough to hold Satan and all his angels, and the Antichrist and all his followers, and all the wicked that have been from the beginning of the world, and will be to the end of it: Isaiah 5:14 Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it. (KJV) . . . It is sad indeed, that the Bible states, the vast majority of the rulers of the world, the kings, princes, evil government employees and the wealthiest of the wealthy, and ALL who despise God and His Word, will end up in Hell.
The pile thereof is fire and much wood . . . this refers to the burning of bodies in Tophet, and especially the babies sacrificed to Molech (Lev.18:21; 20:2-5; 1 Ki. 11:1-8; 2 Ki.16:3; 21:6; 23:10; 2 Chron.28:3; Isa.57:5; Jer.7:31; 32:35; Eze.16:20-21; 20:26, 31; 23:37-39). It could also refer to the burning of the Assyrian army, either by lightning from heaven, or by the Jews when they found them dead the next morning. In Hell, the fire is the wrath of God; the wood or fuel is ungodly men.  
The breath of the Lord, like a stream of brimstone, doth kindle it . . . the breath of the Lord is the immediate Hand of God, or His Word of anger (vs.28). Like a stream of brimstone . . . Isaiah seems to refer to that shower of fire and brimstone long ago (Gen.19:24). Doth kindle it . . . the pile of fire and wood mentioned. It shall be done by His order, at His Word of command. In the pits of Hell, the wrath of God will be like a constant stream of brimstone, keeping up the fire of it, so that it shall forever burn, and never be quenched (Mk.9:43, 45); therefore it is called a lake burning with fire and brimstone (Rev.19:20); into which Satan, the beast, and false prophet, and ALL the worshippers of the Antichrist, will one day be cast (Rev.14:10; 19:20; 20:10; 21:8). The reference seems to be to the fire and brimstone rained by the Lord, Himself upon Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen.19:24). The Targum (Five Books of Moses) states: the word of the Lord, like an overflowing torrent of brimstone, shall kindle it.

*****When we read this passage in the light of Revelation 19:19-20:5, we come to the conclusion that Tophet can be no other place than that which is described as the lake of fire (Rev.20:15), into which the false prophet and the beast, the Antichrist, will be cast (Isa.66:22-24).

Special Comments

Tophet

The word Tophet in Hebrew means that which causes loathing, abhorrence and vomiting. Just as Tophet was to be a place of great destruction and a burial ground for multitudes in the ruin of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar (Jer. 7:31-32; 19:6-14), so it was appointed by the Lord in this prophecy to be a place of slaughter when Jerusalem will be surrounded by the armies of the Antichrist. Tophet is a deep valley southeast of Jerusalem, well-known as the place of idolatry and worship of Moloch. It was in Tophet that a large brazen image with hollow trunk and arms was greatly heated, and children were offered as sacrifices to it. To drown out their cries as they were being put into this red hot idol, drums were beaten, which were called Toph or Tophim; and so the name Tophet was given to this part of the valley . . . the valley of the son of Hinnom (2Ki. 16:3; 21:6; 23:10). Fires were kept going in this valley to burn up the refuse of the city and to purify the atmosphere and prevent pollution. Because of this it became a symbol of eternal Hell among the Jews. Therefore the name Gehenna was coined to mean the place of eternal torment (Mat.10:28; 25:41, 46; Lk.12:5).  
https://www.ucg.org/the-good-news/child-sacrifice-were-not-so-different-today
http://carm.org/christianity/miscellaneous-topics/moloch-ancient-pagan-god-child-sacrifice

Tophet should be understood in connection with the Assyrian (the Antichrist) and his great army of Isa. 30:30-32. It seems to leave little doubt where the exact spot will be when Antichrist will be destroyed at the war of Armageddon. http://bibleatlas.org/topheth.htm
Much of the army with him will be also destroyed and Tophet, at that time, will be a great funeral fire kindled by the Lord like a stream of fire and brimstone. He will come with great flaming fire which will destroy multitudes in this battle (Isa. 30:20; Ezek. 38:17-21; 2Th. 1:7-10).
 
My personal thoughts on Hell.
We made a trip to Yellowstone a while back. Beautiful country up there! We never did get to see Old Faithful, because the roads were all tore up, being repaired, and neither of us are capable of walking.  

There were hot springs everywhere. I want to comment on one thing that we saw . . . that being the boiling water in several places. I took pictures. It actually was scary to say the least! I was amazed. It certainly made us think! That hot water had to come from heat beneath the Earth, a volcano! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yellowstone_Caldera
http://www.yellowstonepark.com/explore/volcanos/
http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/observatories/yvo/index.html

Now, considering this fact . . . consider just how many hot springs there are in the world, and then consider how many volcanoes there are all over the world.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_hot_springs
https://weather.com/travel/news/amazing-hot-springs
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lists_of_volcanoes
https://www.volcanodiscovery.com/volcanoes.html

What I am trying to get across to you is just how many hot springs and volcanoes there are all over the world. Where are they? Beneath the ground, in the center of the Earth. So . . . what does it look like down there? I would want to say that God tells us in every Passage in the Bible that speaks of Hell and the lake of fire! It is only common sense to think that Hell is in the center of the Earth. And thinking how large the Earth is, it is only common sense to think that Hell will indeed be large enough to house all the wicked of the world.  (Isa.5:14; 14:9; 30:33; Pro.27:20; Eze.32:21; Hab.2:5; Mat.7:13; Rev.20:13-15).

Some things to consider is that the Bible states that Hell will be as FIRE!

Everlasting fire. Matthew 25:41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: [KJV] Jesus' Words.
Everlasting burnings. Isaiah 33:14 The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings? [KJV]
A furnace of fire. Matthew 13:42 And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.[KJV] Jesus' Words. Matthew 13:50 And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.[KJV] Jesus' Words.
A lake of fire. Rev. 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. [KJV]
Fire and brimstone. Rev. 14:10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: [KJV]
Unquenchable fire. Matthew 3:12 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. [KJV]
Devouring fire. Isaiah 33:14 The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings? [KJV]

Another thing to consider is that the Bible states that Hell will be dark.
Outer Darkness. Matthew 8:12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. [KJV] Matthew 22:13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. [KJV] Matthew 25:30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. [KJV]

SO . . . how do we reconcile these two things? In reality fire and darkness are opposites! In my mind, they can be reconciled! When we consider just how large this Earth is, and when we consider the center of the Earth, it too is massive. It seems to me that there are caves many down there, and they would indeed be dark. Anyone who has ever been in a cave, knows just how dark they can be. There is not a bit of light, it is pitch dark, black as can be! On the other hand, there are fires everywhere else down there from the volcanoes.

When I think of Hell, this is what comes to my mind.

Websites about HELL: http://www.hisservants.org/hell_h_s.htm
http://www.judgmentcoming.org/j_c_hell_is_it_there.htm
http://www.worldlychaos.org/w_c_hell.1.htm
http://www.lastdaysprophecy.org/L_D_is_there_really_a_hell.htm http://www.hisservants.org/books_heaven_vs_hell.html

Commentaries on Old Testament Books

Book of Isaiah . . Isaiah's Mini-Bible

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JUDGMENT ON THE NATIONS . . . . . Isaiah Ch.13 . . Isaiah Ch.14 . . Isaiah Ch.15 . . Isaiah Ch.16 . . Isaiah Ch.17 . . Isaiah Ch.18 . . Isaiah Ch.19 . . Isaiah Ch.20 . . Isaiah Ch.21 . . Isaiah Ch.22 . . Isaiah Ch.23 . . Home Page

ISAIAH’S APOCALYPSE . . . . . Isaiah Ch.24 . . Isaiah Ch.25 . . Isaiah Ch.26 . . Isaiah Ch.27 . . Home Page

ISAIAH'S SIX WOES . . . Isaiah Ch.28 . . Isaiah Ch.29 . . Isaiah Ch.30 . . Isaiah Ch.31 . . Isaiah Ch.32 . . Isaiah Ch.33 . . Isaiah Ch.34 . . Isaiah Ch.35 . . Home Page

Isaiah's Historic Part . . Isaiah Ch.36 . . Isaiah Ch.37 . . Isaiah Ch.38 . . Isaiah Ch.39 . . Home Page

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Isaiah's Introduction to the Suffering Servant

Isaiah's Suffering Servant Prophecy. . . Isaiah 52:13-53:12

Isaiah's Redemption Through the Suffering Servant . . . Isaiah Ch.49 . . Isaiah Ch.50 . . Isaiah Ch.51 . . Isaiah Ch.52 . . Isaiah Ch.53 . . Isaiah Ch.54 . . Isaiah Ch.55 . . Isaiah Ch.56 . . Isaiah Ch.57 . . Home Page

Isaiah's Vision of the Dispersion . . . Isaiah Ch.58 . . Isaiah Ch59 . . Isaiah Ch.60 . . Isaiah Ch.61 . . Isaiah Ch.62 . . Isaiah Ch.63 . . Isaiah Ch.64 . . Isaiah Ch.65 . . Isaiah Ch.66 . . Home Page