Chapters 30 and 31 must be read together if their message is to be grasped properly. They both begin by denouncing the alliance with Egypt in the most explicit terms. In the latter parts of both chapters, however, different but complementary emphases are developed. Chapter 30 focuses on the grace which the Lord longs to show to His people, while chapter 31 centers on the repentance that needs to be forthcoming before that grace can be extended. Chapter 30, then, revolves around the contrasting notions of rebellion and grace. The first keynote is struck in verses 1 and 9 obstinate children, rebellious people) and the second in verse 18 (Yet the Lord longs to be gracious…).

Rebellious Children (30:1-17): While there were political overtones of rebellion do to the Assyrian control of the region in Isaiah’s day, the primary reference here is to the rebellion against God. This is clear from the word children (literally ‘sons’), which points at once to the special relationship between the Lord and those who are addressed here, and it becomes even clearer from the way in which their rebelliousness is subsequently described. And as far as going down to Egypt was concerned, either to seek protection or to acquire horses, the issues of obedience and disobedience were particularly clear, for the Lord had declared His mind on the matter long ago, and had now confirmed it in no uncertain terms through the preaching of Isaiah. It was forbidden. The Lord had demonstrated His superiority over Egypt and its gods at the exodus and had been known to Israel ever since as “the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt”. Theologically speaking, to go down to Egypt for help was to commit apostasy. But it was also just a plain bad defense policy in terms of contemporary political realities. But it is not the way of rebels to listen to reason. The series of short oracles which comprises verses 1-17 reveals the determination and speed with which the nation’s leaders pressed ahead with their plans despite Isaiah’s earnest requests.

Gracious Lord (30:18): Now, however, comes the turning-point of the chapter and with it the profound irony which lies at the heart of its message. The Lord longs to be gracious, and His eagerness to be so is expressed by the fact the He rises to do it. He stands on tiptoe, so to speak, ready to extend His mercy to the rebels. But since He is also a God of justice He can bless only those who wait for Him. Sadly, the leaders of Judah refuse to do this and insist on rushing headlong to disaster. Therefore, since they will not wait for Him, He must wait for them. The picture is like that of the loving father in Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son. And just as the father’s grace to the returned prodigal is extravagant in the parable, so is the Lord’s grace to the rebels of Judah here as soon as they cry out to Him (v. 19), and it is with this that the balance of the chapter is taken up. Thus verse 18 points forwards as well as backwards. It is the pivot on which the whole chapter turns, and gives us a profound insight into the heart of God: He is the God who waits!

How thankful we should be for this! God is patient with His people still, no less than with rebel Judah of old or the prodigal in Jesus’ parable. But such grace gives us no license to become lax. Note carefully the words of the apostle in Romans 2:4 “Do you presume upon the riches of His kindness and forbearance and patience? Do you not know that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?” To be given time to repent is a great mercy which should be grasped with profound gratitude.

Isaiah 30:1-18 Reflection Questions:

Do you or have you taken God’s great mercy and grace for granted?

What lesson can you get from this study that really impacts your understanding of God’s character?

Does this study bring you to a closer relationship with God? How?