King James Version
What Does Isaiah 30:4 Mean?
“For his princes were at Zoan, and his ambassadors came to Hanes.”
Context
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.
5
They were all ashamed of a people that could not profit them, nor be an help nor profit, but a shame, and also a reproach.
6
The burden of the beasts of the south: into the land of trouble and anguish, from whence come the young and old lion, the viper and fiery flying serpent, they will carry their riches upon the shoulders of young asses, and their treasures upon the bunches of camels, to a people that shall not profit them.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(4) **His princes were at Zoan . . .**—Better, *are, in* the vivid use of the historic present of prophecy. Zoan, the Tanis of the Greeks, was one of the oldest of Egyptian cities. Hanes, identified with the Greek *Heracleopolis, *as lying in the delta of the Nile, would be among the first Egyptian cities which the embassy would reach.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 30:4 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 30:4
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge