Isaiah 30:15
For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 16
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
כֹֽה
H3541
כֹֽה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
2 of 16
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
קְד֣וֹשׁ
the Holy One
H6918
קְד֣וֹשׁ
the Holy One
Strong's:
H6918
Word #:
6 of 16
sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
7 of 16
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וָנַ֙חַת֙
and rest
H5183
וָנַ֙חַת֙
and rest
Strong's:
H5183
Word #:
9 of 16
a descent, i.e., imposition, unfavorable (punishment) or favorable (food)
תִּוָּ֣שֵׁע֔וּן
shall ye be saved
H3467
תִּוָּ֣שֵׁע֔וּן
shall ye be saved
Strong's:
H3467
Word #:
10 of 16
properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor
תִּֽהְיֶ֖ה
H1961
תִּֽהְיֶ֖ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
13 of 16
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
גְּבֽוּרַתְכֶ֑ם
shall be your strength
H1369
גְּבֽוּרַתְכֶ֑ם
shall be your strength
Strong's:
H1369
Word #:
14 of 16
force (literally or figuratively); by implication, valor, victory
Cross References
Isaiah 32:17And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.Luke 13:34O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!John 5:40And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.1 Chronicles 5:20And they were helped against them, and the Hagarites were delivered into their hand, and all that were with them: for they cried to God in the battle, and he was intreated of them; because they put their trust in him.2 Chronicles 32:8With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.2 Chronicles 16:8Were not the Ethiopians and the Lubims a huge host, with very many chariots and horsemen? yet, because thou didst rely on the LORD, he delivered them into thine hand.Isaiah 30:7For the Egyptians shall help in vain, and to no purpose: therefore have I cried concerning this, Their strength is to sit still.Hebrews 12:25See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:Isaiah 7:4And say unto him, Take heed, and be quiet; fear not, neither be fainthearted for the two tails of these smoking firebrands, for the fierce anger of Rezin with Syria, and of the son of Remaliah.Matthew 23:37O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!
Historical Context
This verse comes at the climax of Isaiah's dispute with Hezekiah's pro-Egypt faction. While diplomats negotiated military treaties, Isaiah proclaimed that Judah's survival depended solely on repentant trust in Yahweh. History vindicated Isaiah—Egypt proved useless (Isaiah 30:7), but when Hezekiah finally trusted God, Jerusalem was miraculously delivered from Assyria (Isaiah 37:36).
Questions for Reflection
- What does 'returning and rest' look like practically when you face overwhelming circumstances?
- How does our culture's activism make 'quietness and confidence' seem irresponsible?
- In what current crisis are you saying 'I will not' to God's call for restful trust?
Analysis & Commentary
In returning and rest shall ye be saved (בְּשׁוּבָה וָנַחַת/b'shuvah vanachat)—Shuvah (returning) is the Hebrew word for repentance, literally turning around, reversing direction from sin back to God. Nachat (rest) means settled quietness, ceasing from anxious striving. Salvation comes through repentant return to God followed by restful trust—the exact opposite of frantic political maneuvering. This is gospel truth: we are saved by grace through faith-rest, not works (Ephesians 2:8-9).
In quietness and confidence shall be your strength (בְּהַשְׁקֵט וּבִטְחָה/b'hashqet uvitchah)—Hashqet means tranquil stillness; bitchah is trusting security. Military strength comes from God-confidence, not Egyptian chariots. And ye would not (וְלֹא אֲבִיתֶם/v'lo avitem)—the tragic refrain of rejected grace. They actively refused God's simple path to safety.