Isaiah 30:2
That walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at my mouth; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt!
Original Language Analysis
הַהֹלְכִים֙
That walk
H1980
הַהֹלְכִים֙
That walk
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
1 of 12
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
לָרֶ֣דֶת
to go down
H3381
לָרֶ֣דֶת
to go down
Strong's:
H3381
Word #:
2 of 12
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
וּפִ֖י
at my mouth
H6310
וּפִ֖י
at my mouth
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
4 of 12
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
שָׁאָ֑לוּ
and have not asked
H7592
שָׁאָ֑לוּ
and have not asked
Strong's:
H7592
Word #:
6 of 12
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
בְּמָע֣וֹז
themselves in the strength
H4581
בְּמָע֣וֹז
themselves in the strength
Strong's:
H4581
Word #:
8 of 12
a fortified place; figuratively, a defense
וְלַחְס֖וֹת
and to trust
H2620
וְלַחְס֖וֹת
and to trust
Strong's:
H2620
Word #:
10 of 12
to flee for protection; figuratively, to confide in
Cross References
Isaiah 36:6Lo, thou trustest in the staff of this broken reed, on Egypt; whereon if a man lean, it will go into his hand, and pierce it: so is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all that trust in him.Jeremiah 43:7So they came into the land of Egypt: for they obeyed not the voice of the LORD: thus came they even to Tahpanhes.Numbers 27:21And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask counsel for him after the judgment of Urim before the LORD: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation.
Historical Context
Egypt's 25th Dynasty (Cushite pharaohs from Nubia) ruled 715-664 BCE, overlapping Hezekiah's reign. Pharaoh Shabaka and later Tirhakah presented themselves as strong allies against Assyria. Judah's ambassadors traveled the dangerous Negev desert (verse 6) carrying tribute to secure Egyptian military support. But Egypt's power was declining—they couldn't even defend themselves (Assyria would conquer Egypt by 671 BCE under Esarhaddon). Trusting Egypt was trusting a collapsing power. Isaiah's prophecies proved accurate: Egypt's help was worthless (verse 7).
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean to 'ask at God's mouth' before making major decisions, and how can you practice this?
- How do we seek to 'strengthen ourselves' in worldly securities (finances, careers, relationships) rather than in God?
- What 'shadows' (illusory protections) do people trust today that provide no real refuge?
Analysis & Commentary
That walk to go down into Egypt (הַהֹלְכִים לָרֶדֶת מִצְרַיִם/haholkim laredet mitsrayim)—"Go down" (yarad) is geographically accurate (Egypt is lower elevation) but theologically significant—descent always implies spiritual decline in Scripture (Abraham went down to Egypt during famine, Genesis 12:10; Israel went down to Egypt and became enslaved). Going to Egypt reverses the Exodus, returning to bondage.
And have not asked at my mouth (וּפִי לֹא שָׁאָלוּ/ufi lo sha'alu)—They didn't inquire of Yahweh's mouth, didn't seek His word through prophets. "Asking at the mouth" was the proper protocol for kings facing decisions (1 Kings 22:5; 2 Kings 3:11). Their failure to consult God revealed functional atheism—living as though God's opinion doesn't matter. To strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh (לָעוֹז בְּמָעוֹז פַּרְעֹה/la'oz bema'oz par'oh)—Wordplay: seeking to be strong (la'oz) in Pharaoh's stronghold (ma'oz). Pharaoh was Egypt's title, meaning "great house." And to trust in the shadow of Egypt (וְלַחֲסוֹת בְּצֵל מִצְרָיִם/velachsot betsel mitsrayim)—Chasah means to seek refuge, take shelter. "Shadow" (tsel) implies protection, as shade from desert sun. But Egypt's shadow provides no real refuge—it's illusory protection.