King James Version

What Does Isaiah 30:2 Mean?

Isaiah 30:2 in the King James Version says “That walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at my mouth; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, an...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 30 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“That walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at my mouth; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt!”

Isaiah 30:2 · KJV

Strength

Context

1

Woe to the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin:

2

That walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at my mouth; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt!

3

Therefore shall the strength of Pharaoh be your shame, and the trust in the shadow of Egypt your confusion.

4

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

Read Isaiah 30 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
That walk to go down into Egypt (הַהֹלְכִים לָרֶדֶת מִצְרַיִם/haholkim laredet mitsrayim)—"Go down" (yarad) is geographically accurate (Egypt is lower elevation) but theologically significant—descent always implies spiritual decline in Scripture (Abraham went down to Egypt during famine, Genesis 12:10; Israel went down to Egypt and became enslaved). Going to Egypt reverses the Exodus, returning to bondage.

And have not asked at my mouth (וּפִי לֹא שָׁאָלוּ/ufi lo sha'alu)—They didn't inquire of Yahweh's mouth, didn't seek His word through prophets. "Asking at the mouth" was the proper protocol for kings facing decisions (1 Kings 22:5; 2 Kings 3:11). Their failure to consult God revealed functional atheism—living as though God's opinion doesn't matter. To strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh (לָעוֹז בְּמָעוֹז פַּרְעֹה/la'oz bema'oz par'oh)—Wordplay: seeking to be strong (la'oz) in Pharaoh's stronghold (ma'oz). Pharaoh was Egypt's title, meaning "great house." And to trust in the shadow of Egypt (וְלַחֲסוֹת בְּצֵל מִצְרָיִם/velachsot betsel mitsrayim)—Chasah means to seek refuge, take shelter. "Shadow" (tsel) implies protection, as shade from desert sun. But Egypt's shadow provides no real refuge—it's illusory protection.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Egypt's 25th Dynasty (Cushite pharaohs from Nubia) ruled 715-664 BCE, overlapping Hezekiah's reign. Pharaoh Shabaka and later Tirhakah presented themselves as strong allies against Assyria. Judah's ambassadors traveled the dangerous Negev desert (verse 6) carrying tribute to secure Egyptian military support. But Egypt's power was declining—they couldn't even defend themselves (Assyria would conquer Egypt by 671 BCE under Esarhaddon). Trusting Egypt was trusting a collapsing power. Isaiah's prophecies proved accurate: Egypt's help was worthless (verse 7).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to 'ask at God's mouth' before making major decisions, and how can you practice this?
  2. How do we seek to 'strengthen ourselves' in worldly securities (finances, careers, relationships) rather than in God?
  3. What 'shadows' (illusory protections) do people trust today that provide no real refuge?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
הַהֹלְכִים֙1 of 12

“That walk”

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

לָרֶ֣דֶת2 of 12

“to go down”

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

מִצְרָֽיִם׃3 of 12

“into Egypt”

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

וּפִ֖י4 of 12

“at my mouth”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

לֹ֣א5 of 12
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

שָׁאָ֑לוּ6 of 12

“and have not asked”

H7592

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

לָעוֹז֙7 of 12

“to strengthen”

H5810

to be stout (literally or figuratively)

בְּמָע֣וֹז8 of 12

“themselves in the strength”

H4581

a fortified place; figuratively, a defense

פַּרְעֹ֔ה9 of 12

“of Pharaoh”

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

וְלַחְס֖וֹת10 of 12

“and to trust”

H2620

to flee for protection; figuratively, to confide in

בְּצֵ֥ל11 of 12

“in the shadow”

H6738

shade, whether literal or figurative

מִצְרָֽיִם׃12 of 12

“into Egypt”

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Isaiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Isaiah 30:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Isaiah 30:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 36:6Numbers 27:21Deuteronomy 28:68Ezekiel 29:6-7Lamentations 4:20Jeremiah 43:7

Places in This Verse

EgyptRegion · Modern: Ain Shams · 30.13°N, 31.31°E658 verses across 33 books
View all places in Isaiah 30 →

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