Isaiah 30:16
But ye said, No; for we will flee upon horses; therefore shall ye flee: and, We will ride upon the swift; therefore shall they that pursue you be swift.
Original Language Analysis
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
כִ֛י
H3588
כִ֛י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
3 of 16
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
4 of 16
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
תְּנוּס֑וּן
No for we will flee
H5127
תְּנוּס֑וּן
No for we will flee
Strong's:
H5127
Word #:
6 of 16
to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
7 of 16
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כֵּ֣ן
H3651
כֵּ֣ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
8 of 16
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
תְּנוּס֑וּן
No for we will flee
H5127
תְּנוּס֑וּן
No for we will flee
Strong's:
H5127
Word #:
9 of 16
to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)
וְעַל
H5921
וְעַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
10 of 16
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
נִרְכָּ֔ב
and We will ride
H7392
נִרְכָּ֔ב
and We will ride
Strong's:
H7392
Word #:
12 of 16
to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
13 of 16
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כֵּ֖ן
H3651
כֵּ֖ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
14 of 16
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
Cross References
Isaiah 31:1Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!Isaiah 31:3Now the Egyptians are men, and not God; and their horses flesh, and not spirit. When the LORD shall stretch out his hand, both he that helpeth shall fall, and he that is holpen shall fall down, and they all shall fail together.
Historical Context
Egypt was famous for its chariot forces and cavalry, while Israel's mountainous terrain made horses less practical. Acquiring Egyptian horses violated Deuteronomy 17:16's command that kings should not multiply horses. By seeking Egyptian cavalry, Judah was not only faithless but covenant-breaking. The Assyrian and later Babylonian armies indeed pursued Israel with swift cavalry.
Questions for Reflection
- What modern 'horses' (technologies, strategies, alliances) do Christians trust instead of God?
- How has God's ironic judgment—giving you what you demanded—played out in your life?
- What 'swift' advantages are you pursuing that might become advantages for your spiritual enemies?
Analysis & Commentary
But ye said, No; for we will flee upon horses—The Hebrew structure emphasizes willful defiance: "No!" (לֹא/lo). Instead of returning to God, they choose literal fleeing (נוּס/nus) on cavalry—the ancient equivalent of trusting military technology over divine protection. Therefore shall ye flee—Divine irony: they wanted to flee on horses for offensive power, but they will indeed flee—in panicked retreat. God often gives rebels exactly what they demand, to their ruin (Psalm 106:15).
We will ride upon the swift (קַל/qal, swift/light)—Egyptian horses were prized for speed. Therefore shall they that pursue you be swift—another devastating reversal. Their military advantage becomes their pursuers' advantage. When we trust human strength instead of God, that very strength is turned against us.