Isaiah 30:10

KJV

Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:

KJV (with Strong's)

Which say {H559} to the seers {H7200}, See {H7200} not; and to the prophets {H2374}, Prophesy {H2372} not unto us right things {H5229}, speak {H1696} unto us smooth things {H2513}, prophesy {H2372} deceits {H4123}:

Complete Jewish Bible

They say to the seers, "Do not see!" to those who have visions, "Do not tell us the visions you have as they really are; but flatter us, fabricate illusions!

Berean Standard Bible

They say to the seers, “Stop seeing visions!” and to the prophets, “Do not prophesy to us the truth! Speak to us pleasant words; prophesy illusions.

American Standard Version

that say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 30:10 vividly portrays the spiritual rebellion of Judah, a people who, under the immense pressure of the Assyrian threat, actively rejected God's uncomfortable truth in favor of comforting falsehoods. This verse encapsulates their profound desire for messages that affirmed their chosen path of self-reliance and political alliances, rather than the divine call to repentance, quiet trust, and unwavering faith in the Lord. It stands as a stark testament to humanity's enduring propensity to prefer pleasant delusions over challenging realities, even when those realities are delivered by God's own messengers for their ultimate good.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 30 forms part of a series of "woe" oracles (chapters 28-33) pronounced by the prophet against Judah's reliance on foreign powers, specifically Egypt, rather than on the Lord. Preceding this verse, Isaiah has condemned Judah's stubbornness and their refusal to listen to God's law, likening them to rebellious children ([Isaiah 30:9](/isaiah/30-9 "Isaiah 30:9 - Rebellious Children")). The immediate verses leading up to verse 10 describe a people who are "rebellious children, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the Lord" ([Isaiah 30:9](/isaiah/30-9 "Isaiah 30:9 - Rebellious Children")). This indictment sets the stage for the specific demand in verse 10, revealing the depth of their spiritual blindness and their active suppression of divine truth. The subsequent verses continue to elaborate on the consequences of this rejection, emphasizing that their trust in Egypt will lead to shame and disgrace, while true strength lies in repentance and quiet trust in God ([Isaiah 30:15](/isaiah/30-15 "Isaiah 30:15 - In Quietness and Trust")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of Isaiah's prophecy, the Southern Kingdom of Judah faced an existential threat from the formidable Assyrian Empire, which had already conquered the Northern Kingdom of Israel. King Hezekiah and his advisors were caught between the Assyrian juggernaut and the allure of an alliance with Egypt, a once-mighty but now declining power. Culturally, seeking alliances with stronger nations was a common geopolitical strategy of the era. However, for Judah, a nation under a covenant with Yahweh, such alliances represented a profound theological betrayal—a rejection of God as their ultimate protector and deliverer. The prophets, like Isaiah, were God's appointed spokesmen, tasked with delivering His word, which often challenged the prevailing political and social norms, calling the people back to covenant faithfulness. The people's demand in Isaiah 30:10 reflects a cultural preference for political expediency over spiritual obedience, and a desire for prophets who would validate their worldly strategies rather than expose their spiritual failings.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 30:10 powerfully underscores several recurring themes in the book of Isaiah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the **rejection of divine truth** by a people who prefer comforting lies over challenging realities, a theme prevalent throughout the prophetic literature where God's messengers are often scorned ([Jeremiah 20:8](/jeremiah/20-8 "Jeremiah 20:8 - Jeremiah's Complaint")). Secondly, it illustrates the human tendency towards **spiritual blindness and self-deception**, where individuals or nations actively seek out messages that affirm their biases rather than confront their sins. This is closely linked to the theme of **false prophecy versus true prophecy**, as the people explicitly demand "smooth things" and "deceits" instead of "right things," contrasting sharply with the nature of God's Word, which is often sharp and convicting ([Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Word of God is Living and Active")). Finally, the verse implicitly emphasizes the **sovereignty and faithfulness of God**, who, despite His people's rebellion, continues to send His prophets with warnings and calls to repentance, demonstrating His persistent desire for their salvation and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **say (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** This primitive root is used with great latitude, meaning "to say," "to command," "to declare," or "to utter." In this context, it signifies a direct, authoritative demand from the people to the prophets. It's not a polite request but a forceful instruction, highlighting their rebellious posture and their attempt to dictate the terms of divine revelation.
* **right things (Hebrew, _nᵉkôchâh'_):** Feminine of `nâkôach`, properly meaning "straightforwardness," "integrity," or "a truth." It refers to messages that are direct, upright, and equitable, often implying a moral or ethical truth that exposes wrongdoing or calls for a return to righteousness. The people's rejection of "right things" indicates their aversion to moral accountability and their preference for pleasant illusion over uncomfortable reality.
* **deceits (Hebrew, _mahăthallâh'_):** Derived from `hâthal`, meaning "to mock" or "to delude." This strong term signifies "a delusion," "an illusion," or "an outright lie." It's not merely a desire for pleasantries, but an active demand for messages that are fundamentally false and misleading. This word underscores the profound spiritual rebellion, as the people are not just passively resistant to truth but actively crave falsehoods that will validate their sinful choices.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Which say to the seers, See not;":** This clause reveals the people's direct command to those who receive visions from God. They are telling the `seers` (prophets who primarily receive visions) to cease their true prophetic function—to "see not" the divine realities, especially those that expose their sin or warn of judgment. This is an audacious attempt to blind God's messengers and, by extension, themselves to God's truth.
* **"and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things,":** Extending their demand to all `prophets` (God's spokesmen), the people explicitly forbid the delivery of "right things." This refers to prophecies that are morally upright, truthful, and in alignment with God's righteous character and commands. They reject any message that would challenge their sinful behavior, call for repentance, or expose the folly of their chosen path.
* **"speak unto us smooth things,":** This phrase reveals their positive demand: instead of truth, they desire "smooth things." The Hebrew implies flattery, slipperiness, or ease. They want messages that are agreeable, comforting, and non-confrontational, designed to please their ears and affirm their current course of action, regardless of its spiritual implications.
* **"prophesy deceits:":** This is the most shocking and damning part of their demand. They don't just want pleasantries; they actively request "deceits"—delusions, illusions, or outright lies. This demonstrates a profound and willful embrace of falsehood, indicating a spiritual state so hardened that they prefer self-deception and moral compromise to the liberating, though challenging, truth of God.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 30:10 is rich with **Prophetic Indictment**, directly accusing the people of Judah of spiritual rebellion. The verse employs striking **Contrast** between "right things" and "smooth things" or "deceits," highlighting the stark choice the people make against divine truth. There is a powerful **Irony** at play: the very people who should be seeking God's guidance are actively demanding that His messengers speak lies. This turns the divine-human communication on its head, with humans attempting to dictate God's message. The phrase "prophesy deceits" can also be seen as a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the extreme nature of their spiritual depravity and their profound rejection of reality. The collective "they" (the people of Judah) acts as a **Collective Persona**, representing the widespread spiritual apostasy within the nation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 30:10 serves as a timeless theological warning against the human heart's propensity to resist divine truth when it challenges personal comfort or cherished plans. It reveals a deep-seated spiritual sickness where people prefer self-deception and the validation of their sinful desires over the transformative power of God's Word. This rejection of "right things" for "smooth things" and "deceits" underscores the inherent conflict between human autonomy and divine authority, a conflict that often leads to a hardening of hearts and a refusal to acknowledge God's sovereignty. The verse highlights that true spiritual health requires a willingness to submit to God's truth, even when it is uncomfortable or demands radical change, recognizing that His ways are always for our ultimate good and salvation.

* [2 Timothy 4:3-4](/2_timothy/4-3 "2 Timothy 4:3-4 - People will not endure sound doctrine")
* [John 3:19](/john/3-19 "John 3:19 - People loved darkness rather than light")
* [Proverbs 28:26](/proverbs/28-26 "Proverbs 28:26 - He who trusts in his own heart is a fool")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 30:10 offers a profound mirror for self-reflection in any age, challenging us to examine our own hearts and the messages we choose to embrace. In a world saturated with information, it is easy to gravitate towards voices that affirm our existing biases, political leanings, or personal preferences, rather than those that speak uncomfortable truths. This verse calls us to cultivate a discerning spirit, one that is eager for God's "right things," even when they expose our flaws or call us to a more difficult path. It warns against the seductive appeal of "smooth things"—messages that promise ease, prosperity, or validation without demanding repentance or sacrifice. True spiritual growth often begins with humbly receiving God's corrective word, allowing it to prune and refine us, rather than seeking out "deceits" that lull us into complacency. To genuinely follow Christ means to love the truth, even when it costs us our comfort, and to trust that God's truth, though sometimes sharp, always leads to life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to seek "smooth things" or "deceits" instead of God's "right things"?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater hunger for challenging biblical truth, even when it confronts my personal desires or cultural norms?**
* **What voices or sources of information do I prioritize, and do they consistently align with God's unvarnished truth, or do they primarily offer comfort and affirmation?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for people to "prophesy deceits"?**

Answer: To "prophesy deceits" means to actively demand and receive messages that are fundamentally false, misleading, or illusory, rather than divine truth. In the context of Isaiah 30:10, the people of Judah were so hardened in their rebellion and their chosen path (seeking an alliance with Egypt instead of trusting God) that they wanted their prophets to deliver prophecies that would validate their sinful choices, offer false hope, and avoid any message of judgment or call to repentance. It signifies a profound spiritual blindness and a willful embrace of self-delusion, where they preferred comforting lies over the challenging realities of God's word. This is a stark contrast to the true prophetic ministry, which is to speak God's unadulterated truth, regardless of its popularity or comfort level ([Jeremiah 23:32](/jeremiah/23-32 "Jeremiah 23:32 - False Prophets and Their Dreams")).

**How does this verse relate to discerning spiritual messages today?**

Answer: Isaiah 30:10 provides a timeless warning for discerning spiritual messages in any era. It highlights the human tendency to seek out teachers or messages that cater to our "itching ears" ([2 Timothy 4:3](/2_timothy/4-3 "2 Timothy 4:3 - People will not endure sound doctrine")), affirming our desires rather than challenging our sins or calling us to deeper commitment. Today, this can manifest in various forms of spiritual consumerism, where people choose churches, podcasts, or books that offer feel-good messages, prosperity promises, or easy solutions, while avoiding teaching that emphasizes repentance, sacrifice, or the difficult aspects of discipleship. The verse calls us to critically evaluate all spiritual input against the unchanging truth of God's Word ([Acts 17:11](/acts/17-11 "Acts 17:11 - The Bereans Examined the Scriptures")), seeking out "right things" even when they are uncomfortable, and rejecting "smooth things" and "deceits" that lead us astray.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 30:10, with its chilling depiction of a people rejecting divine truth for comforting lies, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound counterpoint in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Judah demanded that their prophets speak "smooth things" and "deceits," Jesus, the Word made flesh, came speaking the "right things"—the unvarnished truth of God, often challenging and uncomfortable. He declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), embodying the very truth that humanity so often rejects. His teachings, like the Sermon on the Mount ([Matthew 5](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Sermon on the Mount")), were not "smooth things" but radical calls to repentance, righteousness, and costly discipleship. He spoke of the narrow gate ([Matthew 7:13-14](/matthew/7-13 "Matthew 7:13-14 - The Narrow Gate")) and the need to deny oneself ([Luke 9:23](/luke/9-23 "Luke 9:23 - Take Up Your Cross")), truths that many found hard to accept, leading to their rejection of Him ([John 6:66](/john/6-66 "John 6:66 - Many Disciples Turn Away")). Ultimately, the "right thing" that Judah refused to hear was the message of salvation through humble trust in God, a message perfectly embodied and offered by Christ. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), the ultimate truth that exposes all human "deceits" and offers genuine peace and reconciliation with God. In Him, we find not flattery, but grace and truth in abundance ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), inviting us to embrace the challenging yet life-giving reality of God's kingdom.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Romans 16:18

For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

Jeremiah 11:21

Therefore thus saith the LORD of the men of Anathoth, that seek thy life, saying, Prophesy not in the name of the LORD, that thou die not by our hand:

Ezekiel 13:7

Have ye not seen a vain vision, and have ye not spoken a lying divination, whereas ye say, The LORD saith [it]; albeit I have not spoken?

Ezekiel 13:10

¶ Because, even because they have seduced my people, saying, Peace; and [there was] no peace; and one built up a wall, and, lo, others daubed it with untempered [morter]:

Amos 7:13

But prophesy not again any more at Bethel: for it [is] the king's chapel, and it [is] the king's court.

Amos 2:12

But ye gave the Nazarites wine to drink; and commanded the prophets, saying, Prophesy not.

Jeremiah 23:17

They say still unto them that despise me, The LORD hath said, Ye shall have peace; and they say unto every one that walketh after the imagination of his own heart, No evil shall come upon you.