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Isaiah 30:10

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

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}:

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!

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.

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

Isaiah 30:10 captures a poignant moment in Judah's history, revealing a people hardened against God's truth, preferring pleasant lies over challenging realities. This verse is part of a larger prophetic discourse where Isaiah warns Judah against seeking an alliance with Egypt for protection against Assyria, urging them instead to trust in the Lord.

Context

At this time, the kingdom of Judah was under immense pressure from the aggressive Assyrian Empire. Instead of relying on God for deliverance, as Isaiah consistently urged, many leaders and the populace sought political solutions, specifically a military alliance with Egypt. Isaiah's prophecies were often unwelcome because they exposed their lack of faith and called for repentance and quiet trust (Isaiah 30:15). This verse highlights the deep-seated rebellion and spiritual blindness that led them to reject God's messengers and their uncomfortable divine messages.

Key Themes

  • Rejection of Truth: The core message is the human tendency to resist difficult truths from God. The people explicitly tell the "seers" (those who receive visions) and "prophets" (God's spokesmen) not to deliver messages that expose their sin or challenge their chosen path.
  • Preference for "Smooth Things": They desire prophecies that are agreeable, comforting, and validating, even if they are false. This reflects a desire for ease and flattery over conviction and repentance.
  • Demand for Deceit: Shockingly, they don't just want pleasantries; they actively ask for "deceits" – illusions or outright lies. This demonstrates a profound spiritual rebellion and a willful embrace of delusion.
  • The Nature of True Prophecy: By contrast, true prophecy from God often confronts, corrects, and calls for a change of heart, not merely to comfort or affirm human desires.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew terms used here are particularly insightful:

  • The phrase "right things" translates the Hebrew nekohoth (נְכֹחֹות), meaning straightforward, upright, or equitable. It refers to truth that is direct and often exposes moral failings.
  • "Smooth things" comes from halaqoth (חֲלָקוֹת), which implies flattery, slipperiness, or ease. It speaks of messages designed to please the ear and avoid offense.
  • "Prophesy deceits" uses mahatalloth (מַהֲתַלּוֹת), a strong word for delusions, illusions, or outright lies. It signifies a profound rejection of reality in favor of comforting falsehoods.

Practical Application

Isaiah 30:10 serves as a timeless warning against the human tendency to seek out messages that affirm our biases and desires, rather than submitting to challenging biblical truth. In contemporary contexts, this can manifest as:

  • Discerning Teaching: It challenges us to critically evaluate spiritual messages we hear, ensuring they align with God's Word, even if they are uncomfortable (2 Timothy 4:3-4).
  • Embracing Truth: It reminds us that true spiritual growth often comes through confronting our own shortcomings and trusting God's wisdom, not our own preferred narratives (John 3:19).
  • Humility: The verse calls for humility in receiving God's word, even when it is corrective, recognizing that His ways are always for our ultimate good.

This verse reminds us that true faith requires a willingness to hear and obey God's "right things," even when they are not "smooth," for His truth ultimately leads to life 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 (May 20, 2025) 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

  • Romans 16:18 (7 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

    ¶ 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 (6 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

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

  • Jeremiah 23:17 (4 votes)

    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.