Isaiah 30:4
For his princes were at Zoan, and his ambassadors came to Hanes.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 7
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הָי֥וּ
H1961
הָי֥וּ
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
2 of 7
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
Cross References
Isaiah 19:11Surely the princes of Zoan are fools, the counsel of the wise counsellors of Pharaoh is become brutish: how say ye unto Pharaoh, I am the son of the wise, the son of ancient kings?Isaiah 57:9And thou wentest to the king with ointment, and didst increase thy perfumes, and didst send thy messengers far off, and didst debase thyself even unto hell.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.
Historical Context
This verse provides historical evidence of Hezekiah's diplomatic mission to Egypt, complementing 2 Kings 18:21's reference to trusting Egypt. Archaeological discoveries at Tanis (Zoan) have uncovered remains of the 25th Dynasty period when Judean ambassadors would have visited. The mention of specific cities shows Isaiah wasn't speaking abstractly but addressing concrete political negotiations. These ambassadors carried tribute (verse 6) to purchase Egyptian military alliance. The journey itself was dangerous—traversing the Negev wilderness with its lions, vipers, and serpents (verse 6). All this effort and expense for an alliance that would prove worthless.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'expensive' efforts (time, money, energy) do you invest in seeking worldly security rather than trusting God?
- How does knowing God sees the specific details of our faithless choices ("his princes were at Zoan") affect your accountability?
- What does it mean to exhaust yourself pursuing help from sources that cannot ultimately save?
Analysis & Commentary
For his princes were at Zoan, and his ambassadors came to Hanes (כִּי־הָיוּ בְצֹעַן שָׂרָיו וּמַלְאָכָיו חָנֵס יַגִּיעוּ/ki-hayu vetso'an sarav umal'akhav chanes yagi'u)—Specific geographic details authenticate the prophecy. Zoan (Greek: Tanis) was a major city in Egypt's Nile Delta, the ancient Hyksos capital and later a residence of pharaohs. Hanes (possibly Heracleopolis Magna or Tahpanhes) was another Egyptian city. Isaiah names actual locations where Judah's diplomatic mission traveled—sarim (princes/officials) and mal'akhim (ambassadors/messengers) conducting treaty negotiations. The verb yagi'u (came/arrived) emphasizes they actually reached these cities, completing the shameful journey to seek Egypt's help.