Isaiah 10:30
Lift up thy voice, O daughter of Gallim: cause it to be heard unto Laish, O poor Anathoth.
Original Language Analysis
בַּת
O daughter
H1323
בַּת
O daughter
Strong's:
H1323
Word #:
3 of 8
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
הַקְשִׁ֥יבִי
cause it to be heard
H7181
הַקְשִׁ֥יבִי
cause it to be heard
Strong's:
H7181
Word #:
5 of 8
to prick up the ears, i.e., hearken
Cross References
1 Samuel 25:44But Saul had given Michal his daughter, David's wife, to Phalti the son of Laish, which was of Gallim.Jeremiah 1:1The words of Jeremiah the son of Hilkiah, of the priests that were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin:Joshua 21:18Anathoth with her suburbs, and Almon with her suburbs; four cities.
Historical Context
Anathoth was a Levitical city about 3 miles northeast of Jerusalem, Jeremiah's birthplace (Jeremiah 1:1). Archaeological surveys confirm these towns' locations along the ridge road from the north. The 'poor' designation may indicate Anathoth's small size or vulnerability, or may be prophetic (the town later suffered in the Babylonian invasion). The rapid naming of towns creates a drumbeat of approaching doom—yet God's intervention would turn apparent defeat into miraculous deliverance.
Questions for Reflection
- When danger approaches rapidly, where do you turn first—human solutions or divine protection?
- How does knowing God's ultimate plan help us endure periods when circumstances seem dire?
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Analysis & Commentary
The command 'Lift up thy voice, O daughter of Gallim' continues the northward progression of panic. Towns are personified, called to cry out warnings. Gallim, Laish, and Anathoth—each closer to Jerusalem than the last—are told to raise the alarm. 'Poor Anathoth' (Jeremiah's hometown) emphasizes vulnerability. This cascading warning creates dramatic urgency: the enemy approaches; flee or fortify! Yet Isaiah's audience would know the outcome (already revealed in earlier prophecies): God will defend His city, not human defenses or flight.