8 Now go , write it on a tablet before them And inscribe it on a scroll , That it may serve in the time to come As a witness forever e . 9 For this is a rebellious people , false sons , Sons who refuse e to listen To the instruction of the Lord ; 10 Who say to the seers , "You must not see visions"; And to the prophets , "You must not prophesy to us what is right , Speak to us pleasant words , Prophesy illusions . 11 "Get out of the way , turn aside from the path , Let us hear no e more about the Holy One of Israel ." 12 Therefore thus says the Holy One of Israel , " Since you have rejected this word And have put your trust in oppression and guile , and have relied on them, 13 Therefore this iniquity will be to you Like a breach about to fall , A bulge in a high wall , Whose collapse comes suddenly in an instant , 14 Whose collapse is like the smashing of a potter's jar , So ruthlessly e shattered That a sherd will not be found among its pieces To take fire from a hearth Or to scoop water from a cistern ." 15 For thus the Lord GOD , the Holy One of Israel , has said , "In repentance and rest you will be saved , In quietness and trust is your strength ." But you were not willing , 16 And you said , "No , for we will flee on horses ," Therefore e you shall flee ! "And we will ride on swift horses," Therefore e those who pursue you shall be swift . 17 One thousand will flee at the threat of one man; You will flee at the threat of five , Until e you are left as a flag on a mountain top And as a signal on a hill .
18 Therefore the Lord longs to be gracious to you, And therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. For the Lord is a God of justice ; How blessed are all those who long for Him.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Isaiah 30:8-18
Commentary on Isaiah 30:8-18
(Read Isaiah 30:8-18)
The Jews were the only professing people God then had in the world, yet many among them were rebellious. They had the light, but they loved darkness rather. The prophets checked them in their sinful pursuits, so that they could not proceed without fear; this they took amiss. But faithful ministers will not be driven from seeking to awaken sinners. God is the Holy One of Israel, and so they shall find him. They did not like to hear of his holy commandments and his hatred of sin; they desired that they might no more be reminded of these things. But as they despised the word of God, their sins undermined their safety. Their state would be dashed in pieces like a potter's vessel. Let us return from our evil ways, and settle in the way of duty; that is the way to be saved. Would we be strengthened, it must be in quietness and in confidence, keeping peace in our own minds, and relying upon God. They think themselves wiser than God; but the project by which they thought to save themselves was their ruin. Only here and there one shall escape, as a warning to others. If men will not repent, turn to God, and seek happiness in his favour and service, their desires will but hasten their ruin. Those who make God alone their confidence, will have comfort. God ever waits to be gracious to all that come to him by faith in Christ, and happy are those who wait for him.