The Prophet and His Day: Isaiah 1-39 - Free Bible Commentary

30:3 There is no hope in Egypt (cf. vv. 3,5,7; 20:5-6; 36:6). Amazingly Judah left her covenant God forthe protection of a previous task master! Judah will do it again in Jeremiah’s day (cf. Jer. 2:13; 42:18-22)!30:4 “their princes” The MT has “his,” which is followed by most English translations. NASB mayassert that these “princes” refer to Pharaoh’s leaders (cf. 19:11), but in context it refers to Hezekiah’srepresentatives seeking a political/military alliance with Egypt.} “Zoan. . .Hanes” These were two cities that were recently freed by the Twenty-fifty Dynasty. Theywere used to show the power of the Egyptian army.The two cities mentioned are connected to the delta region of the Nile.1. Zoan is also known as Tanis or Avaris (cf. Num. 13:22; Ps. 78:12,43; Isa. 19:11).2. Hanes is unknown (LXX omits), but possibly connected to Tahpanhes (cf. Jer. 2:16; 43:7,8,9;44:1; 46:14), a nearby fortress. Some scholars relate this name to Heracleopolis Magnabecause it was a regional capital during the Nubian Dynasty.30:5NASB, NKJV “ashamed”NRSV“shame”TEV“regret”NJB“disappointed”All of these English translations chose the Qere option (i.e., marginal reading) of the Masoreticscholars (–*"%, BDB 101, KB 116, Hiphil PERFECT, the NOUN [BDB 102] is used later in this verse).The MT text (Kethib) has “cause to stink” (–*!"%, BDB 92, KB 107, Hiphil PERFECT; the VERB is usedin 50:2 and the NOUN in 34:3).NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 30:6-176The oracle concerning the beasts of the Negev.Through a land of distress and anguish,From where come lioness and lion, viper and flying serpent,They carry their riches on the backs of young donkeysAnd their treasures on camels' humps,To a people who cannot profit them;7Even Egypt, whose help is vain and empty.Therefore, I have called her"Rahab who has been exterminated."8Now go, write it on a tablet before themAnd inscribe it on a scroll,That it may serve in the time to comeAs a witness forever.9For this is a rebellious people, false sons,Sons who refuse to listenTo the instruction of the LORD;10Who say to the seers, "You must not see visions";And to the prophets, "You must not prophesy to us what is right,Speak to us pleasant words,296