Isaiah 10:30

Lift up thy voice, O daughter of Gallim: cause it to be heard unto Laish, O poor Anathoth.

Lift up {H6670} thy voice {H6963}, O daughter {H1323} of {H1530} Gallim {H1554}: cause it to be heard {H7181} unto Laish {H3919}, O poor {H6041} Anathoth {H6068}.

Cry, shriek, Bat-Gallim! Listen, Layish! Poor 'Anatot!

Cry aloud, O Daughter of Gallim! Listen, O Laishah! O wretched Anathoth!

Cry aloud with thy voice, O daughter of Gallim! hearken, O Laishah! O thou poor Anathoth!

Commentary

Isaiah 10:30 is a powerful and evocative verse from the King James Version, depicting the panic and alarm spreading through specific towns as the Assyrian army advances towards Jerusalem.

Context

This verse is part of a vivid prophecy in Isaiah chapter 10, detailing the march of the Assyrian king (God's chosen instrument of judgment against Israel's pride) as he approaches Jerusalem. Isaiah lists a series of towns and villages to the north of the city, describing the terror that precedes the invaders. Gallim, Laishah (likely the intended Laish here), and Anathoth were all located relatively close to Jerusalem, highlighting how imminent the threat was. The prophecy paints a picture of escalating fear from town to town.

Key Themes

  • Impending Judgment: The verse underscores the theme of divine judgment being executed through human agents, specifically the Assyrian empire, bringing destruction upon the land.
  • Panic and Distress: The call to "Lift up thy voice" and the description of "poor Anathoth" vividly portray the fear, sorrow, and desperation felt by the inhabitants of these towns as the enemy drew near.
  • Geographical Specificity: Isaiah's naming of individual towns like Gallim, Laishah, and Anathoth makes the prophecy incredibly real and emphasizes the widespread impact of the invasion, affecting even smaller communities close to the capital. Anathoth is particularly notable as the hometown of the prophet Jeremiah (see Jeremiah 1:1).

Linguistic Insights

The power of this verse lies less in specific Hebrew word nuances and more in the strategic naming of places. The progression through these towns geographically traces the path of the invader, building tension and illustrating how close the danger is getting to Jerusalem itself. The phrase "poor Anathoth" adds a touch of pathos, highlighting the vulnerability and suffering of this specific community.

Significance and Reflection

Isaiah 10:30 serves as a stark reminder of the reality of judgment and the fear it instills. It shows how God's prophecies can be incredibly detailed, pinpointing specific locations that would experience the effects of larger historical events like the Assyrian invasion. For the people hearing this prophecy, it wasn't just about a distant army; it was about their neighbors, their friends, and the very real threat arriving at their doorstep. Today, the verse can prompt reflection on how we respond to threats and crises, and how the Bible often uses specific, relatable details to convey universal truths about consequence and divine action.

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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

  • 1 Samuel 25:44 (5 votes)

    But Saul had given Michal his daughter, David's wife, to Phalti the son of Laish, which [was] of Gallim.

  • Jeremiah 1:1 (4 votes)

    ¶ The words of Jeremiah the son of Hilkiah, of the priests that [were] in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin:

  • Joshua 21:18 (3 votes)

    Anathoth with her suburbs, and Almon with her suburbs; four cities.

  • Jeremiah 32:8 (2 votes)

    So Hanameel mine uncle's son came to me in the court of the prison according to the word of the LORD, and said unto me, Buy my field, I pray thee, that [is] in Anathoth, which [is] in the country of Benjamin: for the right of inheritance [is] thine, and the redemption [is] thine; buy [it] for thyself. Then I knew that this [was] the word of the LORD.

  • Judges 18:29 (2 votes)

    And they called the name of the city Dan, after the name of Dan their father, who was born unto Israel: howbeit the name of the city [was] Laish at the first.

  • Judges 18:7 (2 votes)

    ¶ Then the five men departed, and came to Laish, and saw the people that [were] therein, how they dwelt careless, after the manner of the Zidonians, quiet and secure; and [there was] no magistrate in the land, that might put [them] to shame in [any] thing; and they [were] far from the Zidonians, and had no business with [any] man.

  • 1 Kings 2:26 (2 votes)

    ¶ And unto Abiathar the priest said the king, Get thee to Anathoth, unto thine own fields; for thou [art] worthy of death: but I will not at this time put thee to death, because thou barest the ark of the Lord GOD before David my father, and because thou hast been afflicted in all wherein my father was afflicted.