Isaiah 30:1-17

We hope you are noticing the powerful message of God in Isa. 1-39.  The last half of Isaiah (Ch. 40-66) gets a lot more recognition, it seems to me, as being beneficial for believers.  But this section has no shortage of challenging truths.  This book of woes (Ch. 28-33) is relentless in terms of the issue of whole-hearted faith, by which we mean a complete dependence upon God.  In Isaiah’s day the faith issue was the choice of many to gain protection from Assyria by making an alliance with Egypt.  

One strange thing about this was that the Northern Kingdom of Samaria had done this to no avail (2 Ki. 17:4).  This happened about the time Hezekiah became king in Judah.  And yet when the Assyrians came to besiege Jerusalem it appears there were still some who thought that Egypt could help (2 Kings 18:21,24).  No matter how often we  see the foolishness of trusting in men it still seems we will take that route over trusting in our unseen God.  Hopefully we are being reproved and encouraged in this as we study.  Let us hear and heed!

·        30:1-5: Woe is pronounced on those who seek help from Egypt but won’t inquire of God.  You may remember this was something that distinguished David from Saul, that he always inquired of God about every move (e.g. 1 Sam. 23:2,4,9-13).

·        30:6-7: There is a short burden against the beasts of the south.  No, it’s not the Crimson Tide or the Bayou Bengals.  It refers to donkeys and camels that will take riches to Egypt to buy their help, help that will be vain.

·        30:8-11: The real problem is with those who refuse to listen to God’s true prophets who warn against foolishly trusting Egypt.  The people wanted preachers to give them messages that were smooth, that didn’t upset their plans.  It sounds like Paul’s warning about people with itching ears who only want to hear what they want to hear, not what God is saying (2 Tim. 4:3-4).

·        30:12-17: Notice the word therefore.  When we refuse to listen to God’s word there is a harvest to reap.  We will be broken; our plans cannot stand.  Did you see the words of v15?  This is a message for us as well.  In returning (repentance) and rest (faith) you shall be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength.  You may remember that when the Rabshakeh (army commander) taunted the people of Jerusalem that Hezekiah told the people not to answer but to be quiet (Isa. 36:21).  We often struggle with this.  A problem comes and waiting on God just doesn’t feel right.  We want to make a plan that involves something we can put our hands on.   

We will continue this tomorrow.  But don’t wait to consider the need for whole-hearted faith in your life.  Panic and anxiety attacks are not evidence of faith, nor are they the mind-set that will lead to a good plan.  Instead, return and rest, quietness and confidence in God indicates whole-hearted faith.