Isaiah 30:9 - Printer Friendly

ESV: For they are a rebellious people, lying children, children unwilling to hear the instruction of the Lord;

NIV: For these are rebellious people, deceitful children, children unwilling to listen to the Lord’s instruction.

NASB: For this is a rebellious people, false sons, Sons who refuse to listen To the instruction of the Lord;

CSB: They are a rebellious people, deceptive children, children who do not want to listen to the Lord’s instruction.

NLT: that these people are stubborn rebels who refuse to pay attention to the Lord’s instructions.

KJV: That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the Lord:

NKJV: That this is a rebellious people, Lying children, Children who will not hear the law of the Lord;

Isaiah 30:8–17 begins with the Lord's command that Isaiah record this prophecy for future generations. Judah's stubborn leaders tell the prophets not to deliver the Lord's messages. They only hear what they want to hear. Their refusal to listen will result in sudden consequences. If they were to repent and trust Him, the Lord would save them. Instead, the people trust in earthly resources like horses. So, they will be chased and trapped by their enemy.

The Lord describes Judah's people as stubborn children. They think Egypt will protect them from Assyria, instead of trusting Him. But Egypt will be of no help. Judah's leaders ignore God. They demand that prophets only tell them what they want to hear. Those leaders will be surprised by the sudden consequences of faithlessness. The Lord waits for them to turn back to Him and cry for help. When they do, He will provide greatly for them after destroying the Assyrians who are threatening them. The people will sing and celebrate as the Assyrians fall.

Isaiah has been transmitting God's prophecies about Israel, Judah, and other nations. This chapter scolds the southern kingdom of Judah for stubbornness and self-reliance. They make foolish choices instead of relying on the Lord. Egypt will not protect Judah from the Assyrians. But God will take vengeance on the enemy nation one day. Chapter 31 continues to rebuke those who look to human armies instead of God.

Isaiah is among the most important prophetic books in the entire Bible. The first segment details God's impending judgment against ancient peoples for sin and idolatry (Isaiah 1—35). The second part of Isaiah briefly explains a failed assault on Jerusalem during the rule of Hezekiah (Isaiah 36—39). The final chapters predict Israel's rescue from Babylonian captivity (Isaiah 40—48), the promised Messiah (Isaiah 49—57), and the final glory of Jerusalem and God's people (Isaiah 58—66).

Accessed 1/2/2026 8:16:42 AM