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Isaiah 30 Commentary
by Brad Boyles
The people resisted God’s counsel, and instead, they received His judgement. It sounds harsh, but remember, we live under the New Covenant. There should be an aspect to this that is somewhat foreign since we are empowered with the Holy Spirit to be Jesus. These people did not have that, but they were still accountable to the way that God chose to speak to them. He communicated through true prophets like Isaiah, but the people didn’t want to hear it.
It’s easy to sit back and wonder why they had to experience such heartache. This is why God commanded Isaiah to record exactly how the people were responding to Him. It would serve as a warning to future generations in hopes that they would not fall to the same temptation. Again, there is an aspect that is foreign to us, but there is also an aspect we understand quite well. When our old sinful flesh rears its ugly head, we know we are just like these people.
During this time period, Israel was being attacked and would eventually be captured. Next on the list of the invading Assyrians would be the other nation of Judah. The events that led to this captivity are very clear. They were stubborn and deceptive. The people were intentionally disobedient. They rejected the true message and desired a word that allowed them to do what they wanted. Even those who thought they were crafty enough to escape on horses would be chased down.
The message is sobering, however, it’s also motivating. The same God who disciplines us is the same One who loved us enough to send Christ. That kind of grace just cannot be contained.