Isaiah 30:4

For his princes were at Zoan, and his ambassadors came to Hanes.

For his princes {H8269} were at Zoan {H6814}, and his ambassadors {H4397} came {H5060} to Hanes {H2609}.

Though his princes are at Tzo'an, and his envoys have reached Hannes,

For though their princes are at Zoan and their envoys have arrived in Hanes,

For their princes are at Zoan, and their ambassadors are come to Hanes.

Isaiah 30:4 KJV describes a specific diplomatic mission undertaken by the kingdom of Judah, highlighting their reliance on Egypt for military assistance against the threatening Assyrian empire. This verse is part of a larger prophecy where God condemns Judah for seeking help from human alliances rather than trusting in Him.

Context of Isaiah 30:4

This verse is nestled within a powerful prophetic message from Isaiah, primarily found in Isaiah chapter 30. The chapter opens with a "Woe" pronounced upon the rebellious children of Israel who "go down into Egypt, and have not asked at my mouth" (Isaiah 30:2). Judah, facing the looming threat of Assyrian invasion, chose to send high-level delegations to Egypt, hoping to secure a military alliance and protection. Verse 4 specifically details the destinations of these envoys.

Historical and Cultural Significance

The mention of Zoan and Hanes is crucial for understanding the historical context. Zoan (also known as Tanis) was a prominent capital city in the Nile Delta during various periods of ancient Egypt, signifying a major center of power and diplomacy. Hanes (identified with Heracleopolis Magna) was another significant Egyptian city further south, indicating that Judah's emissaries traveled deep into Egyptian territory to solidify their plea for aid. The presence of Judah's "princes" and "ambassadors" in these key Egyptian locations underscored the desperation and official nature of their mission, seeking strength and shelter under Pharaoh's shadow, contrary to God's will.

Key Themes

  • Misplaced Trust: The primary theme is Judah's profound error in trusting in human alliances and worldly power (Egypt) rather than relying on the omnipotent God of Israel. This act of seeking foreign aid demonstrated a lack of faith in God's ability and willingness to protect His people, a recurring theme in the prophetic books.
  • Futility of Human Schemes: Isaiah's prophecy makes it clear that this alliance with Egypt would ultimately prove fruitless and even bring shame (Isaiah 30:3, Isaiah 30:5). Human strategies, however well-intentioned or diplomatically executed, are bound to fail if they contradict divine counsel.

Reflection and Practical Application

Isaiah 30:4 serves as a timeless reminder about the source of true security and help. For believers today, it challenges us to examine where we place our trust when facing difficulties. Do we immediately turn to human solutions, political connections, financial security, or personal strength, much like Judah sought help from Egypt? Or do we, first and foremost, trust in the name of the Lord our God?

The lesson is clear: true wisdom lies in seeking God's counsel and relying on His provision, for "cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm" (Jeremiah 17:5). Our ultimate refuge and strength must always be found in God alone, not in worldly alliances or human ingenuity.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Isaiah 19:11

    Surely 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 57:9

    And 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 43:7

    So they came into the land of Egypt: for they obeyed not the voice of the LORD: thus came they [even] to Tahpanhes.

  • 2 Kings 17:4

    And the king of Assyria found conspiracy in Hoshea: for he had sent messengers to So king of Egypt, and brought no present to the king of Assyria, as [he had done] year by year: therefore the king of Assyria shut him up, and bound him in prison.

  • Ezekiel 30:18

    At Tehaphnehes also the day shall be darkened, when I shall break there the yokes of Egypt: and the pomp of her strength shall cease in her: as for her, a cloud shall cover her, and her daughters shall go into captivity.

  • Hosea 7:16

    They return, [but] not to the most High: they are like a deceitful bow: their princes shall fall by the sword for the rage of their tongue: this [shall be] their derision in the land of Egypt.

  • Ezekiel 30:14

    And I will make Pathros desolate, and will set fire in Zoan, and will execute judgments in No.

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