Isaiah 30:1

¶ Woe to the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin:

Woe {H1945} to the rebellious {H5637} children {H1121}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}, that take {H6213} counsel {H6098}, but not of me; and that cover {H5258} with a covering {H4541}, but not of my spirit {H7307}, that they may add {H5595} sin {H2403} to sin {H2403}:

"Woe to the rebellious children," says ADONAI. "They make plans, but the plans are not mine; they develop alliances, but not from my Spirit, in order to pile sin upon sin.

“Woe to the rebellious children,” declares the LORD, “to those who carry out a plan that is not Mine, who form an alliance, but against My will, heaping up sin upon sin.

Woe to the rebellious children, saith Jehovah, that take counsel, but not of me; and that make a league, but not of my Spirit, that they may add sin to sin,

Commentary

Isaiah 30:1 delivers a powerful prophetic denunciation from the LORD against the nation of Judah, labeling them "rebellious children." This verse sets a stern tone, highlighting the profound error of seeking human counsel and forming alliances without divine approval, leading to an accumulation of sin.

Context

The book of Isaiah primarily addresses the southern kingdom of Judah, warning them of impending judgment due to their idolatry, social injustice, and lack of faith. Chapters 28-33, in particular, focus on Judah's misplaced trust in foreign alliances—specifically with Egypt—as a means of protection against the rising Assyrian empire, rather than relying on God. This verse initiates a series of "woes" (or pronouncements of judgment), emphasizing the dire consequences of turning away from the LORD's guidance. It underscores the prophet Isaiah's consistent message: true security comes only from trusting in God.

Key Themes

  • Rebellion Against God: The core accusation is Judah's deliberate act of rebellion, choosing to disregard the LORD's will and wisdom. They are called "rebellious children," signifying a willful defiance of their divine Father.
  • Misplaced Counsel and Trust: The verse condemns taking "counsel, but not of me." This refers to Judah's reliance on human political strategies and alliances with nations like Egypt, instead of seeking divine guidance through prayer, the prophets, or the Law. It highlights the dangers of prioritizing human wisdom over God's perfect plan, a theme also explored in Proverbs 3:5-6, which admonishes trusting in the Lord with all your heart.
  • Lack of God's Spirit: To "cover with a covering, but not of my spirit" implies that their plans and protective measures are not inspired or sanctioned by God. This indicates a spiritual independence and a rejection of the Holy Spirit's leading, preferring human ingenuity or even pagan influences.
  • Compounding Sin: The phrase "that they may add sin to sin" reveals the grave consequence of their initial disobedience. One act of rebellion or misplaced trust inevitably leads to further transgressions, creating a cycle of deeper spiritual decay and increased culpability before God.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "woe" is hoy (הוֹי), an exclamation often used by prophets to introduce a solemn warning or lament, frequently preceding a declaration of judgment. The phrase "cover with a covering" (Hebrew: nasakh massekah) can imply "pouring out a libation" or "making a molten image," metaphorically suggesting the forging of treaties or alliances as if they were idols or false sources of security, distinct from God's true protection.

Practical Application

Isaiah 30:1 serves as a timeless warning for individuals and nations today. It challenges us to examine where we seek counsel and place our trust. Are we relying on worldly solutions, human wisdom, or popular opinions to navigate life's challenges, or are we earnestly seeking God's will through His Word, prayer, and the leading of His Spirit? This verse reminds us that:

  • Divine Guidance is Paramount: True wisdom and lasting security come only from God. It highlights the importance of seeking divine wisdom and guidance in all decisions.
  • The Danger of Self-Reliance: Relying solely on our own understanding or the advice of others, without consulting God, can lead us down paths that accumulate sin and move us further from His blessing.
  • The Slippery Slope of Disobedience: Initial acts of disobedience or lack of faith can quickly compound, leading to deeper spiritual problems and more severe consequences. This principle is echoed in the New Testament, emphasizing the need to walk in the Spirit.

Ultimately, this verse calls for a deep and abiding trust in the LORD, recognizing Him as the ultimate source of counsel, protection, and peace.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 65:2 (14 votes)

    I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way [that was] not good, after their own thoughts;

  • Isaiah 1:2 (13 votes)

    ¶ Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the LORD hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me.

  • Hosea 7:13 (9 votes)

    Woe unto them! for they have fled from me: destruction unto them! because they have transgressed against me: though I have redeemed them, yet they have spoken lies against me.

  • Isaiah 63:10 (8 votes)

    But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, [and] he fought against them.

  • Romans 2:5 (8 votes)

    But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;

  • Isaiah 29:15 (7 votes)

    Woe unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the LORD, and their works are in the dark, and they say, Who seeth us? and who knoweth us?

  • Hosea 4:10 (7 votes)

    For they shall eat, and not have enough: they shall commit whoredom, and shall not increase: because they have left off to take heed to the LORD.