Isaiah chs. 21 to 25

Isaiah chs. 31 to 35 





Isaiah 26 to 30

Isaiah Prophecies: In our hearts we always worshipped the One God even though superficially we went after idols. There will be a resurrection of the Dead. The Whole of the Promised Land will belong to Israel. All the Jews of Judah and all the Israelites from the Lost Ten Tribes will return. Disaster will have overtaken Ephraim but a remnant will repent and be saved. Judah will suffer for not keeping the Law as much as it should have been kept. Nature will change. The Assyrians and all other enemies of Israel will be punished.



The Book of Isaiah

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 Chapters 26 to 30 


A Brit-Am
Biblical Commentary



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Contents:
Chapters with Brit-Am Commentary

Summary of Individual Chapters:
Isaiah Summarized chapters 26-30
Chapter 26: Isaiah turns to Judah (26:1). We are called upon to trust in God (26:4). We have always longed for the Almighty God (26:5). Other gods ruled over us but only on YOUR (i.e. God's) name did we truly call. Other gods could also mean false ideologies such as secularism, etc. The nation ( Israel including Judah) has been increased and spread to the ends of the earth (26:15). Isaiah speaks of the Resurrection of the Dead in the End Times (26:19).

Chapter 27: Leviathan the Piercing Serpent will be punished (27:1). Israel will spread over the earth and give fruit in the Last Days (27:6). A Day will come when God will set aside the Promised Land from the River Euphrates unto the Nile River and gather together the Children of Israel one by one (27:12). A Great Shofar will be blown and those who were LOST in the Exile of Assyria (the Ten Tribes) and outcast in the Land of Egypt (Judah) shall return and worship God in the Holy Temple Mount in Jerusalem (27:23).

Chapter 28: The Drunkards of Ephraim will wail because of excessive pride (28:1). The enemy shall overcome Ephraim and cast him down like pouring rain in a thunder storm, a hurricane-like destructive wind, and an overflowing flood of waters. Ephraim shall be overcome and brought down (28:2). Calamities shall overtake Ephraim but those who survive will be helped by God and overcome the enemy (28:5-6). The leaders and Prophets (religious counselors) of Ephraim will have misled him (28:7-9). Ephraim will have received instruction in another tongue from stammering lips piece by piece (28:10-11). Ephraim did not hearken (28:13). Isaiah turns to the people of Jerusalem and warns them not to think themselves impregnable (28:14-15). Nevertheless, salvation is to be found through Zion (28:16). God will deliver Israel in the same way as he assisted the forces of David at Perazim (cf. 2-Samuel 5:19-20) and in the Valley of Gibeon (Isaiah 28:21 cf. Joshua 10:10-14). A general series of disasters will descend upon mankind but the end result is for the good of Israel and everyone else (28:22-29).

Chapter 29: Jerusalem is referred to as "Ariel" meaning "Lion of God" (29:1). Jerusalem will be besieged and its inhabitants suffer but at the last minute the enormous multitudes of its enemies will be blown away like chaff in the wind and the horror will pass like a bad dream (29:5-9). Both Judah and Israel refused to heed the Prophets and were as blind men but in the End Times their eyes will be opened (29:18-21) and the House of Jacob (meaning the Ten Tribes) will be saved (29:22-24).

Chapter 30:Those who take advice from Egypt and not from the Almighty are condemned and work in vain (30:1-8). This Prophecy appears to be directed to Judah for not keeping the Law and not heeding their Prophets meaning those who gave instruction from the Almighty (30:9-10). They did not want the Presence of the Almighty who dwelt amongst them (30:11). This could refer to rejection of the Temple Mount. God condemns Judah (and Israel) for seeking to retreat and as punishment they will indeed flee from a weaker enemy (30:13-17). Even so we will turn back to God and HE will help us and teach us through HIS teachers (30:18-20). At that time WE WILL instinctively know how to do the right thing and what God wants from us (30:21). We will destroy our idols (30:22) and great prosperity will return to us (30:23-24). Natural phenomena will occur and changes take place in the light of the sun (30:26). The wicked will be punished but the Chosen of God will be blessed and have cause to rejoice (30:29-30). The Assyrian shall be beaten down (30:31). God will fight against the enemies of Israel (30:32).


Chapters with Brit-Am Commentary:
Samuel 26 to 30
Isaiah-Chapter26
Very strong significant messages are contained in these words of Isaiah. We think of them in terms of Isaiah 1, Isaiah 2, Isaiah 20, etc and tend to learn them as something imposed on us.  The raw material however of these words we are studying is very strong, very worthwhile, and at bottom helpful and reassuring. This is our guidance.

[Isaiah 26:1] IN THAT DAY SHALL THIS SONG BE SUNG IN THE LAND OF JUDAH; WE HAVE A STRONG CITY; SALVATION WILL GOD APPOINT FOR WALLS AND BULWARKS.
In the day when the enemy falls (mentioned previously Isaiah 24;10 25;2 25;12) shall this song be sung.  "WE HAVE A STRONG CITY" in Hebrew ("ir oz lonu") the expression literally means "the city is our strength". Through dedication to Jerusalem God helps us. God wants us to rebuild and dedicate ourselves to Jerusalem (Psalms 51;20-21). This message is to all of Israel and Isaiah (as we shall) see is going out of his way to include the Lost Ten Tribes in the people he is addressing and speaking about.

 [Isaiah 26:2] OPEN YE THE GATES, THAT THE RIGHTEOUS NATION WHICH KEEPETH THE TRUTH MAY ENTER IN.
Speaks of the Last Days when God delivers the faithful remnant in Jerusalem. "
KEEPETH THE TRUTH": Also translatable as "remains faithful".

 [Isaiah 26:3] THOU WILT KEEP HIM IN PERFECT PEACE, WHOSE MIND IS STAYED ON THEE: BECAUSE HE TRUSTETH IN THEE.
Isaiah was a Prophet. Moses the chief of the prophets prophesied under full cognition of his Prophetic encounter. All the other prophets had visions and flitted back and forth over different levels of consciousness. They  also expressed themselves according to their background.  It appears that: At that time vast amounts of oral tradition and traditional proverbs and epic songs were committed to memory as a matter of course. The common people had favorite themes and loved to hear the same long refrains repeated over and over again. The children grew up with it and the repetition of such refrains became part of common culture. Minor variations on these refrains acquired significance in the understanding of those who heard them. The Prophets when prophesying also used expressions and even parts of the popular verbal heritage in their prophesies. Sometimes they repeated prophesies and sayings made by others but often inserted subtle variations of their own. They did this naturally and those who heard at the time would have appreciated the connotations and verbal forms. Isaiah flits back and forth between moral exhortations and prophetic predictions. He manages to merge the two so that where one begins and the other stops is not always clear.
Isaiah is saying that someone who trusts in God will remain with HIM.

 [Isaiah 26:4] TRUST YE IN THE LORD FOR EVER: FOR IN THE LORD JEHOVAH IS EVERLASTING STRENGTH:
God is our strength.

 [Isaiah 26:5] FOR HE BRINGETH DOWN THEM THAT DWELL ON HIGH; THE LOFTY CITY, HE LAYETH IT LOW; HE  LAYETH IT LOW, EVEN TO THE GROUND; HE BRINGETH IT EVEN TO THE DUST.
Raises the humble and downtrodden and debases the proud. Even today things are not what they seem. Real wealth and happiness can be measured more in the successful raising of children and in good health and intellectual accomplishments than in other things. Even so some people do not achieve these or other things through no fault of their own. The bottom line is that we must believe in Divine justice and God being with us,

 [Isaiah 26:6] THE FOOT SHALL TREAD IT DOWN, EVEN THE FEET OF THE POOR, AND THE STEPS OF THE NEEDY.

 [Isaiah 26:7] THE WAY OF THE JUST IS UPRIGHTNESS: THOU, MOST UPRIGHT, DOST WEIGH THE PATH OF THE JUST.

 [Isaiah 26:8] YEA, IN THE WAY OF THY JUDGMENTS, O LORD, HAVE WE WAITED FOR THEE; THE DESIRE OF OUR SOUL IS TO THY NAME, AND TO THE REMEMBRANCE OF THEE.
"THE DESIRE OF OUR SOUL IS TO THY NAME": Even when we sin there is a section of our subconscious that constantly yearns for God.

 [Isaiah 26:9] WITH MY SOUL HAVE I DESIRED THEE IN THE NIGHT; YEA, WITH MY SPIRIT WITHIN ME WILL I SEEK THEE EARLY: FOR WHEN THY JUDGMENTS ARE IN THE EARTH, THE INHABITANTS OF THE WORLD WILL LEARN RIGHTEOUSNESS.
"HAVE I DESIRED THEE IN THE NIGHT": At nighttime our more hidden thoughts come to the surface and we allow our imaginations to drift to areas we would normally keep out of. We should transfer this source of energy into a yearning after the God of Israel. Pray to Him and He will answer.
A religious Jew (Hasid) once came to his Rabbi and complained that "strange thoughts" were plaguing him. The Rabbi replied: Strange thoughts plague someone who is always learning the Torah and lives a good pure life. With you however such thoughts are no longer "strangers"!

 [Isaiah 26:10] LET FAVOUR BE SHEWED TO THE WICKED, YET WILL HE NOT LEARN RIGHTEOUSNESS: IN THE LAND OF UPRIGHTNESS WILL HE DEAL UNJUSTLY, AND WILL NOT BEHOLD THE MAJESTY OF THE LORD.
 "YET WILL HE NOT LEARN RIGHTEOUSNESS": Some people are just bad and want to be bad even though they are quite aware that doing bad is bad for them and even in the short run they probably will not gain very much (if anything) from it.

 [Isaiah 26:11] LORD, WHEN THY HAND IS LIFTED UP, THEY WILL NOT SEE: BUT THEY SHALL SEE, AND BE ASHAMED FOR THEIR ENVY AT THE PEOPLE; YEA, THE FIRE OF THINE ENEMIES SHALL DEVOUR THEM.          
They envy the people of Israel and envy those who do good ( "ENVY AT THE PEOPLE") Their own bad nature will burn them up.
 
 [Isaiah 26:12] LORD, THOU WILT ORDAIN PEACE FOR US: FOR THOU ALSO HAST WROUGHT ALL OUR WORKS IN US

 [Isaiah 26:13] O LORD OUR GOD, OTHER LORDS BESIDE THEE HAVE HAD DOMINION OVER US: BUT BY THEE ONLY WILL WE MAKE MENTION OF THY NAME.
 It says "OTHER LORDS" but the intention could be to one specifically. The word for "HAVE HAD DOMINION" ["ba-al-unu"in Hebrew is derived from the same root as "Baal" indicating the worship of Baal.

 [Isaiah 26:14] THEY ARE DEAD, THEY SHALL NOT LIVE; THEY ARE DECEASED, THEY SHALL NOT RISE: THEREFORE HAST THOU VISITED AND DESTROYED THEM, AND MADE ALL THEIR MEMORY TO PERISH.
Baal died and was believed to have been resurrected. He was identified with Tammuz and with other Middle East deities. Also in Celtic Britain the god "Bel" (derived from baal) was worshipped and so too amongst the Anglo-Saxons  there was "Baldor".
Baldor was once (says Grimm) the chief god of the Anglo-Saxons. Hislop shows that the name Baldor means "Seed of Baal".
Isaiah is saying that contrary to pagan belief Baal was a dead god who did not rise from the dead.
He is speaking to the
LTTs prior to their return when they reject their former errors.

 [Isaiah 26:15] THOU HAST INCREASED THE NATION, O LORD, THOU HAST INCREASED THE NATION: THOU ART GLORIFIED: THOU HADST REMOVED IT FAR UNTO ALL THE ENDS OF THE EARTH.
Despite its faults God has magnified the nation that he will return and claim again. THE ENDS OF THE EARTH throughout Prophecy are linked with the LTTs. It means geographical extremities when considered from the Land of Israel like Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Scandinavia, Holland, West Europe, Britain, North America.

 [Isaiah 26:16] LORD, IN TROUBLE HAVE THEY VISITED THEE, THEY POURED OUT A PRAYER WHEN THY CHASTENING WAS UPON THEM.       

 [Isaiah 26:17] LIKE AS A WOMAN WITH CHILD, THAT DRAWETH NEAR THE TIME OF HER DELIVERY, IS IN PAIN, AND CRIETH OUT IN HER PANGS; SO HAVE WE BEEN IN THY SIGHT, O LORD.
As a woman just before giving birth experiences acute pains and cries out in her travailing so were we in times of our pain and trouble calling to God. We were regarded to a degree in the same way, i.e. As someone who when in pain will promise anything but immediately upon alleviation of their pain returns to their bad ways.
On the other hand even though both God and we know of our own shallowness God hears us because our sins in the first place were to some degree of the same nature. We never really wanted to distance ourselves from the Almighty nor to deny Him. We were just weaklings and weaklings should be pitied. We have it in ourselves to better ourselves.
Isaiah is prophesying that at some stage in the Latter Days calamites will come upon Israel but Israel will repent and return to God and God will answer.

 [Isaiah 26:18] WE HAVE BEEN WITH CHILD, WE HAVE BEEN IN PAIN, WE HAVE AS IT WERE BROUGHT FORTH WIND; WE HAVE NOT WROUGHT ANY DELIVERANCE IN THE EARTH; NEITHER HAVE THE INHABITANTS OF THE WORLD FALLEN.

 [Isaiah 26:19] THY DEAD MEN SHALL LIVE, TOGETHER WITH MY DEAD BODY SHALL THEY ARISE. AWAKE AND SING, YE THAT DWELL IN DUST: FOR THY DEW IS AS THE DEW OF HERBS, AND THE EARTH SHALL CAST OUT THE  DEAD.
Isaiah talks about the Resurrection of the Dead. The earth like the womb of a woman giving birth to new life will bring forth the resurrected. We have here the juxtaposition of themes: The resurrection of the god the pagan-worshipping Israelites believed in did not happen. Their god cannot save. There will however be a real Resurrection of the Dead in the Last Days. This  will entail the revival of the righteous and those whom God decides. This Resurrection that will happen however is not the main purpose of the prophecy. It turns out that the resurrection is used as a parable concerning the reliving of the Israelite People. The Ancient Hebrews believed in the physical Resurrection of the Dead. Isaiah uses this belief as an allegory for the Revival of the People of Israel and the return of the Lost Ten Tribes and the Captives of Judah. This is explained by the continuation of this Chapter 26 into Isaiah Chapter 27 where it says:
"AND IT SHALL COME TO PASS IN THAT DAY, THAT THE GREAT TRUMPET SHALL BE BLOWN, AND THEY SHALL COME WHICH WERE READY TO PERISH (Hebrew: "
Ovdim" also translatable as "they who were lost")  IN THE LAND OF ASSYRIA (i.e. LTTs), AND THE OUTCASTS (i.e. Jewish Captives) IN THE LAND OF EGYPT, AND SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD IN THE HOLY MOUNT AT JERUSALEM" [Isaiah 27:13].

 [Isaiah 26:20] COME, MY PEOPLE, ENTER THOU INTO THY CHAMBERS, AND SHUT THY DOORS ABOUT THEE: HIDE THYSELF AS IT WERE FOR A LITTLE MOMENT, UNTIL THE INDIGNATION BE OVERPAST.
Exodus 12;22 tells how the Israelites had to hide themselves for a short period while the Egyptians were being punished. Similarly in the last days when the evildoers amongst the nations are punished the righteous remnant of Israel may temporarily have to take  refuge.

 [Isaiah 26:21] FOR, BEHOLD, THE LORD COMETH OUT OF HIS PLACE TO PUNISH THE INHABITANTS OF THE EARTH FOR THEIR INIQUITY: THE EARTH ALSO SHALL DISCLOSE HER BLOOD, AND SHALL NO MORE COVER HER SLAIN.
Like giving birth, or resurrection of the dead, hidden things will be revealed. Bloodshed especially will be punished. Those who helped kill Jews in the Holocaust will be punished. Those who encouraged abortions will also be punished. Murder will be no longer hidden from and passed over as if it did not exist.

This was a very powerful chapter with mixed messages all of which in the perception of the Prophet were interlocked. The chapter is to be viewed in the context of messages preceding it and those that follow it.

Isaiah-Chapter27

[Isaiah 27:1] IN THAT DAY THE LORD WITH HIS SORE AND GREAT AND STRONG SWORD SHALL PUNISH  LEVIATHAN THE PIERCING SERPENT, EVEN LEVIATHAN THAT CROOKED SERPENT; AND HE SHALL SLAY THE DRAGON THAT IS IN THE SEA.
This present section of the Commentary relies heavily on the Hebrew Commentary of Amos Chacham in the "Daat Mikra" series. This is a Modern Orthodox Commentary published by Mossad Harav Kook which emphasizes scientific knowledge of Hebrew while it takes cognizance of traditional Commentaries along with the discoveries and claims of archaeologists and Biblical Historians.
"LEVIATHAN" = a mythical monster representing the forces of evil.
There may be three beasts here:
LEVIATHAN THE PIERCING SERPENT; 2. LEVIATHAN THAT CROOKED SERPENT;
THE DRAGON THAT IS IN THE SEA
Alternately  they may all represent different aspects of the one creature. As separate beasts the three creatures could represent different kingdoms: Assyria, Babylon, Egypt.

It could also be that there is really always only one Empire of Evil that just flips around from place to place:

Anybody who is an anti-semite in effect worships the devil. Nations dedicated to anti-semitic beliefs embody the beast(s) spoken of here.

Only Israelite nations (such as the USA, Britain, and to some extent France, Holland, Switzerland, and the Scandinavian countries) really have any record of consistently maintaining even some semblance of relative civilization. People are going to be offended by that statement but the record holds.

 [Isaiah 27:2] IN THAT DAY SING YE UNTO HER, A VINEYARD OF RED WINE.
Vineyards were prized possessions. Red wine was considered the best.

 [Isaiah 27:3] I THE LORD DO KEEP IT; I WILL WATER IT EVERY MOMENT: LEST ANY HURT IT, I WILL KEEP IT NIGHT AND DAY.                 

 [Isaiah 27:4] FURY IS NOT IN ME: WHO WOULD SET THE BRIERS AND THORNS AGAINST ME IN BATTLE? I WOULD GO THROUGH THEM, I WOULD BURN THEM TOGETHER.
Suddenly, the prophet speaks of a vineyard and even seems to have borrowed phrases from a song used by people working in a vineyard though the Prophet has given it a twist of its own.

 [Isaiah 27:5] OR LET HIM TAKE HOLD OF MY STRENGTH, THAT HE MAY MAKE PEACE WITH ME; AND HE SHALL MAKE PEACE WITH ME.                

 [Isaiah 27:6] HE SHALL CAUSE THEM THAT COME OF JACOB TO TAKE ROOT: ISRAEL SHALL BLOSSOM AND BUD, AND FILL THE FACE OF THE WORLD WITH FRUIT.
Israel will be both numerous and manifold in type and characteristics. Plenty of room for a lot of different growths.

 [Isaiah 27:7] HATH HE SMITTEN HIM, AS HE SMOTE THOSE THAT SMOTE HIM? OR IS HE SLAIN ACCORDING TO THE SLAUGHTER OF THEM THAT ARE SLAIN BY HIM?
In the end no matter what we have suffered those who afflicted us will be afflicted more than we were.

 [Isaiah 27:8] IN MEASURE, WHEN IT SHOOTETH FORTH, THOU WILT DEBATE WITH IT: HE STAYETH HIS ROUGH WIND IN THE DAY OF THE EAST WIND.

 [Isaiah 27:9] BY THIS THEREFORE SHALL THE INIQUITY OF JACOB BE PURGED; AND THIS IS ALL THE FRUIT TO TAKE AWAY HIS SIN; WHEN HE MAKETH ALL THE STONES OF THE ALTAR AS CHALKSTONES THAT ARE BEATEN IN SUNDER, THE GROVES AND IMAGES SHALL NOT STAND UP.  
When Israel destroys his false altars then will his sins be forgiven him.

 [Isaiah 27:10] YET THE DEFENCED CITY SHALL BE DESOLATE, AND THE HABITATION FORSAKEN, AND LEFT LIKE A WILDERNESS: THERE SHALL THE CALF FEED, AND THERE SHALL HE LIE DOWN, AND CONSUME THE BRANCHES THEREOF.
He speaks here of the city of the enemy that shall be destroyed and a desolation.

 [Isaiah 27:11] WHEN THE BOUGHS THEREOF ARE WITHERED, THEY SHALL BE BROKEN OFF: THE WOMEN COME, AND SET THEM ON FIRE: FOR IT IS A PEOPLE OF NO UNDERSTANDING: THEREFORE HE THAT MADE THEM WILL NOT HAVE MERCY ON THEM, AND HE THAT FORMED THEM WILL SHEW THEM NO FAVOUR.
"A PEOPLE OF NO UNDERSTANDING": One cannot plead innocence. There are certain things one is obliged to clarify and find out for oneself as far as one is able.

 [Isaiah 27:12] AND IT SHALL COME TO PASS IN THAT DAY, THAT THE LORD SHALL BEAT OFF FROM THE CHANNEL OF THE RIVER UNTO THE STREAM OF EGYPT, AND YE SHALL BE GATHERED ONE BY ONE, O YE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL.
"THE CHANNEL OF THE RIVER i.e. The Euphrates UNTO THE STREAM OF EGYPT"- i.e. the Nile but the phrase means all of the civilised world will be beaten (suffer calamities) and somehow as a result of this the Israelites amongst them will come forth and gather together into one place. Perhaps the misfortunes that befall Europe and caused refugees of Israelite descent to populate America was one aspect of this prophecy?
ON a simple level the verse has a double meaning:
According to Rashi, Those who were taken beyond the River by the Assyrians (i.e. the Ten Tribes) and those who were expelled via Mitsrayim-Egypt meaning Judah will be gathered together.
The land of Israel from the Nile to the Euphrates will have the non-Israelites shaken out of it while Judah and Israel will be gathered back in to it one by one.
The Radak explains:
THE CHANNEL OF THE RIVER: "This is the River Sambation" as it says concerning the Ten Tribes "FOR THE LORD SHALL SMITE ISRAEL... AND SHALL SCATTER THEM BEYOND THE RIVER" [1-Kings 14:15]. It says also "UNTO THE STREAM OF EGYPT" (Isaiah 27:12) for unto Egypt will they come and there they will be gathered together with their brothers in this Present Exile and they will go up to Jerusalem.


 [Isaiah 27:13] AND IT SHALL COME TO PASS IN THAT DAY, THAT THE GREAT TRUMPET SHALL BE BLOWN, AND THEY SHALL COME WHICH WERE READY TO PERISH IN THE LAND OF ASSYRIA, AND THE OUTCASTS IN THE LAND OF EGYPT, AND SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD IN THE HOLY MOUNT AT JERUSALEM.
WHICH WERE READY TO PERISH [Hebrew: Ovdim = were lost, or in the process of getting lost, or wandering] IN THE LAND OF ASSYRIA [i.e. the LTTs], AND THE OUTCASTS [i.e. the descendants of Captive Jews] IN THE LAND OF EGYPT

The next chapter continues the theme and mentions "Ephraim".

Isaiah-Chapter 28
 [Isaiah 28:1] WOE TO THE CROWN OF PRIDE, TO THE DRUNKARDS OF EPHRAIM, WHOSE GLORIOUS BEAUTY IS A FADING FLOWER, WHICH ARE ON THE HEAD OF THE FAT VALLEYS OF THEM THAT ARE OVERCOME WITH WINE!
"THE DRUNKARDS OF EPHRAIM" the British drink a lot, Australians drink more thananybody else except Russians, North Americans drink a lot. Jews (from Judah) are not usually great drinkers but alcohol is freely available at Jewish functions and in religious ceremonies etc. Jewish alcoholics exist but on the whole Jews have an exceptional tolerance for alcohol: Everything is relative. WINE can mean any alcoholic beverage. Perhaps by "DRUNKARDS" drug and other addicts are included?

"EPHRAIM": This is a confirmation of our understanding that the LTTs are being addressed either exclusively or in part alongside Judah.
Amos Chacham understands DRUNKARDS OF EPHRAIM to be also figurative and connoting drunk with richness and power.
On the one hand we say that physically the Tribe of Ephraim is more amongst the British than the Americans who are more dominated by descendants of
Menasseh. Even so on the other hand many from Ephraim are in America. "Ephraim" in Prophecy also connotes the Lost Ten Tribes in general. In this sense we can understand the rebuke directed at Ephraim to apply at least in equal measure to Israelite descendants in America.

 [Isaiah 28:2] BEHOLD, THE LORD HATH A MIGHTY AND STRONG ONE, WHICH AS A TEMPEST OF HAIL AND A DESTROYING STORM, AS A FLOOD OF MIGHTY WATERS OVERFLOWING, SHALL CAST DOWN TO THE EARTH WITH THE HAND.
The enemy shall overcome Ephraim and cast him down like pouring rain in a thunder storm, a hurricane-like destructive wind, and an overflowing flood of waters. Ephraim shall be overcome and brought down.

 [Isaiah 28:3] THE CROWN OF PRIDE, THE DRUNKARDS OF EPHRAIM, SHALL BE TRODDEN UNDER FEET:
"THE CROWN OF PRIDE, THE DRUNKARDS OF EPHRAIM": Physiologically alcohol reduces inhibitions and can enhance self-esteem. In practice someone who is drunk often demeans himself and is treated with contempt by others. Nevertheless drunkeness and pride are linked. An overduly proud person can act as if he were drunk or drugged and vice-versa.

 [Isaiah 28:4] AND THE GLORIOUS BEAUTY, WHICH IS ON THE HEAD OF THE FAT VALLEY, SHALL BE A FADING FLOWER, AND AS THE HASTY FRUIT BEFORE THE SUMMER; WHICH WHEN HE THAT LOOKETH UPON IT SEETH, WHILE IT IS YET IN HIS HAND HE EATETH IT UP.
"AS THE HASTY FRUIT BEFORE THE SUMMER" referring to the fruit of the fig which gives forth individual first fruits that fully ripen before most of the others. These are usually purple in color and ooze with natural fruit sugar. Someone who plucks them just cannot resist swallowing them up on the spot. So too when the enemy comes he will devour the riches of Ephraim. One can picture hordes and hordes of deprived poverty-stricked foreign peoples swarming over our cities taking whatever they can like locusts. The Germans were not poverty-stricked but in Eastern Europe in the Second World War they would often take away everything they could possibly have any use of, leaving the conquered peoples with less than they needed to ensure survival. The Russians in their turn in some cases acted similarly. They and most other peoples would all do the same thing to us if they only could. Let there be no delusions on that score. Even the most cultured people cannot always resist taking advantage of vulnerability in others, especially when they feel they can get away with it.
In most cases, If you run away from an aggressive dog the dog will probably run after you whereas if you stand up to it it will probably go away or at least back off. It depends. In some exceptional cases you should run: "He who fights and runs away lives to fight another day".

 [Isaiah 28:5] IN THAT DAY SHALL THE LORD OF HOSTS BE FOR A CROWN OF GLORY, AND FOR A DIADEM OF BEAUTY, UNTO THE RESIDUE OF HIS PEOPLE,
But those who remain will be saved and guided by the Almighty.

 [Isaiah 28:6] AND FOR A SPIRIT OF JUDGMENT TO HIM THAT SITTETH IN JUDGMENT, AND FOR STRENGTH TO THEM THAT TURN THE BATTLE TO THE GATE.
Ephraim will make a comeback and drive the enemy out to the gate. "Ephraim" (LTTs) will also succeed out of nothing to re-institute a rule of justice and righteousness amongst those who remain of his own peoples. The course of battle will be turned around. When things look most black then we will repent and immediately things will change as we could not have thought possible.

 [Isaiah 28:7] BUT THEY ALSO HAVE ERRED THROUGH WINE, AND THROUGH STRONG DRINK ARE OUT OF THE WAY; THE PRIEST AND THE PROPHET HAVE ERRED THROUGH STRONG DRINK, THEY ARE SWALLOWED UP OF WINE, THEY ARE OUT OF THE WAY THROUGH STRONG DRINK; THEY ERR IN VISION, THEY STUMBLE IN JUDGMENT.     
Before the return even those who should lead us will be found wanting just like we are.

 [Isaiah 28:8] FOR ALL TABLES ARE FULL OF VOMIT AND FILTHINESS, SO THAT THERE IS NO PLACE CLEAN.
Throughout the Bible there is a theme that unrighteous behvior often brings its own punishment in its trail without God having to intervene.

 [Isaiah 28:9] WHOM SHALL HE TEACH KNOWLEDGE" AND WHOM SHALL HE MAKE TO UNDERSTAND DOCTRINE" THEM THAT ARE WEANED FROM THE MILK, AND DRAWN FROM THE BREASTS.                    
"WEANED FROM THE MILK": Instruction should be given and Leadership should be chosen from amongst those who exhibit some restraint, maturity, and self-denial when necessary.

 [Isaiah 28:10] FOR PRECEPT MUST BE UPON PRECEPT, PRECEPT UPON PRECEPT; LINE UPON LINE, LINE UPON LINE; HERE A LITTLE, AND THERE A LITTLE:

 [Isaiah 28:11] FOR WITH STAMMERING LIPS AND ANOTHER TONGUE WILL HE SPEAK TO THIS PEOPLE.
"ANOTHER TONGUE": Most Israelites will not know Hebrew at that time.

[Isaiah 28:12] TO WHOM HE SAID, THIS IS THE REST WHEREWITH YE MAY CAUSE THE WEARY TO REST; AND THIS IS THE REFRESHING: YET THEY WOULD NOT HEAR.

 [Isaiah 28:13] BUT THE WORD OF THE LORD WAS UNTO THEM PRECEPT UPON PRECEPT, PRECEPT UPON PRECEPT; LINE UPON LINE, LINE UPON LINE; HERE A LITTLE, AND THERE A LITTLE; THAT THEY MIGHT GO, AND FALL BACKWARD, AND BE BROKEN, AND SNARED, AND TAKEN.     
The message is there. The word of God, the answer to our questions is written down, somewhere in the Torah meaning somewhere in the body of revealed knowledge and written Scripture. Even so unless we persevere and try to gain  merit we will not find the answers which are hidden in the open.

 [Isaiah 28:14] WHEREFORE HEAR THE WORD OF THE LORD, YE SCORNFUL MEN, THAT RULE THIS PEOPLE WHICH IS IN JERUSALEM.       

 [Isaiah 28:15] BECAUSE YE HAVE SAID, WE HAVE MADE A COVENANT WITH DEATH, AND WITH HELL ARE WE AT AGREEMENT; WHEN THE OVERFLOWING SCOURGE SHALL PASS THROUGH, IT SHALL NOT COME UNTO US: FOR WE HAVE MADE LIES OUR REFUGE, AND UNDER FALSEHOOD HAVE WE HID OURSELVES:
"A COVENANT WITH DEATH, AND WITH HELL ARE WE AT AGREEMENT": Some say that this hints at Cannanite pagan theological concepts.
When the State of Israel tried to make agreements with the PLO the same thing happened. It was an invitation for the PLO-Nazi beasts to try and murder us and our children. All these peace agreements are just lies and delusions. We are relying on the word of people who sometimes do us the courtesy of
lieing to us before they slit our throat. We let ourselves be led astray out of wishful thinking and hope that through  sophisticated double-thinking we can change reality. Not all the peace-mongers but a lot of them sympathize with homosexuals and the murder of innocent human foetuses and other abominations. Some of those most active in the peace movements are unashamedly guilty of such crimes. It is as if they subconsciously want to bring on themselves their own punishment. The only trouble is they wish to see everybody else in the same boat (they are trying to sink) with them.

 [Isaiah 28:16] THEREFORE THUS SAITH THE LORD GOD, BEHOLD, I LAY IN ZION FOR A FOUNDATION A STONE, A TRIED STONE, A PRECIOUS CORNER STONE, A SURE FOUNDATION: HE THAT BELIEVETH SHALL NOT MAKE HASTE.
Salvation lies in Zion.

 [Isaiah 28:17] JUDGMENT ALSO WILL I LAY TO THE LINE, AND RIGHTEOUSNESS TO THE PLUMMET: AND THE HAIL SHALL SWEEP AWAY THE REFUGE OF LIES, AND THE WATERS SHALL OVERFLOW THE HIDING PLACE.

 [Isaiah 28:18] AND YOUR COVENANT WITH DEATH SHALL BE ANNULLED, AND YOUR AGREEMENT WITH HELL SHALL NOT STAND; WHEN THE OVERFLOWING SCOURGE SHALL PASS THROUGH, THEN YE SHALL BE TRODDEN DOWN BY IT.

 [Isaiah 28:19] FROM THE TIME THAT IT GOETH FORTH IT SHALL TAKE YOU: FOR MORNING BY MORNING SHALL IT PASS OVER, BY DAY AND BY NIGHT: AND IT SHALL BE A VEXATION ONLY TO UNDERSTAND THE REPORT.

 [Isaiah 28:20] FOR THE BED IS SHORTER THAN THAT A MAN CAN STRETCH HIMSELF ON IT: AND THE COVERING NARROWER THAN THAT HE CAN WRAP HIMSELF IN IT.
All their deceits and lies and double-talk will not be enough to account for the terrbile reality when it comes.

 [Isaiah 28:21] FOR THE LORD SHALL RISE UP AS IN MOUNT PERAZIM, HE SHALL BE WROTH AS IN THE VALLEY OF GIBEON, THAT HE MAY DO HIS WORK, HIS STRANGE WORK; AND BRING TO PASS HIS ACT, HIS STRANGE ACT.
LORD SHALL RISE UP: In Hebrew "yirgaz" from the root "ragaz" which can connote an earthquake.
"AS IN MOUNT
PERAZIM": "PERAZIM" can mean "breaching" (bursting open): David experienced a deliverance at Perazim:
"AND DAVID ENQUIRED OF THE LORD, SAYING, SHALL I GO UP TO THE PHILISTINES? WILT THOU DELIVER THEM INTO MINE HAND? AND THE LORD SAID UNTO DAVID, GO UP: FOR I WILL DOUBTLESS DELIVER THE PHILISTINES INTO
THINE HAND.
AND DAVID CAME TO BAAL-
PERAZIM, AND DAVID SMOTE THEM THERE, AND SAID, "THE LORD HATH BROKEN FORTH UPON MINE ENEMIES BEFORE ME, AS THE BREACH OF WATERS. THEREFORE HE CALLED THE NAME OF THAT PLACE BAAL-PERAZIM. (2-SAMUEL 5:19-20). David called the place "Baal-Perazim" because it was like the "Breach of waters".
Isaiah above has been using the simile of a breach of flooding waters. I repeat
the principles I mentioned previously: Isaiah was speaking to people who were not so literate but had developed prodigious memories. The story of David and the association of Perazim and breach of waters and its link with what Isaiah was saying would all be obvious to them. First comes punishment (caused by the wicked) like a flood of waters then comes salvation (to the righteous remnant) also like a flood of waters. The victory at Perazzim according to the traditions of the time had been due to Divine intervention including earthquakes. So too was the salvation at Gibeon inititially due to an earthquake according to popular tradition -says Amos Chacham. Later due  due to Divine Intervention greater miracles occurred but these were connected with destroying the fleeing host after the initial victory had taken place:
"AND THE LORD DISCOMFITED THEM BEFORE ISRAEL, AND SLEW THEM WITH A GREAT SLAUGHTER AT
GIBEON, AND CHASED THEM ALONG THE WAY THAT GOETH UP TO BETHHORON,  AND SMOTE THEM TO AZEKAH, AND UNTO MAKKEDAH.                     
" AND IT CAME TO PASS, AS THEY FLED FROM BEFORE ISRAEL, AND WERE IN THE GOING DOWN TO
BETHHORON, THAT THE LORD CAST DOWN GREAT STONES FROM HEAVEN UPON THEM UNTO AZEKAH, AND THEY DIED: THEY WERE MORE WHICH DIED WITH HAILSTONES THAN THEYWHOM THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL SLEW WITH THE SWORD.                     
" THEN
SPAKE JOSHUA TO THE LORD IN THE DAY WHEN THE LORD DELIVERED UP THE AMORITES BEFORE THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL, AND HE SAID IN THE SIGHT OF ISRAEL, SUN,  STAND THOU STILL UPON GIBEON; AND THOU, MOON, IN THE VALLEY OF AJALON.                     
" AND THE SUN STOOD STILL, AND THE MOON STAYED, UNTIL THE PEOPLE HAD  AVENGED THEMSELVES UPON THEIR ENEMIES. IS NOT THIS WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF
JASHER" SO  THE SUN STOOD STILL IN THE MIDST OF HEAVEN, AND HASTED NOT TO GO DOWN ABOUT A WHOLE  DAY.
" AND THERE WAS NO DAY LIKE THAT BEFORE IT OR AFTER IT, THAT THE LORD HEARKENED UNTO THE VOICE OF A MAN: FOR THE LORD FOUGHT FOR ISRAEL"(Joshua 10:10-14).

Returning to Isaiah:-

[Isaiah 28:22] NOW THEREFORE BE YE NOT MOCKERS, LEST YOUR BANDS BE MADE STRONG: FOR I HAVE HEARD FROM THE LORD GOD OF HOSTS A CONSUMPTION, EVEN DETERMINED UPON THE WHOLE EARTH.

 [Isaiah 28:23] GIVE YE EAR, AND HEAR MY VOICE; HEARKEN, AND HEAR MY SPEECH.

 [Isaiah 28:24] DOTH THE PLOWMAN PLOW ALL DAY TO SOW? DOTH HE OPEN AND BREAK THE CLODS OF HIS GROUND?
"BREAK THE CLODS": In Hebrew "Yisadad" from the root "sedad" renderable in some constructions as "sod". In English a clump of earth is "sod". This is Hebrew like a not insiginficant number of Anglo-Saxon words.

 [Isaiah 28:25] WHEN HE HATH MADE PLAIN THE FACE THEREOF, DOTH HE NOT CAST ABROAD THE FITCHES, AND SCATTER THE CUMMIN, AND CAST IN THE PRINCIPAL WHEAT AND THE APPOINTED BARLEY AND THE RIE IN THEIR PLACE"

 [Isaiah 28:26] FOR HIS GOD DOTH INSTRUCT HIM TO DISCRETION, AND DOTH TEACH HIM.

 [Isaiah 28:27] FOR THE FITCHES ARE NOT THRESHED WITH A THRESHING INSTRUMENT, NEITHER IS A CART WHEEL TURNED ABOUT UPON THE CUMMIN; BUT THE FITCHES ARE BEATEN OUT WITH A STAFF, AND THE CUMMIN WITH A ROD.

 [Isaiah 28:28] BREAD CORN IS BRUISED; BECAUSE HE WILL NOT EVER BE THRESHING IT, NOR BREAK IT WITH THE WHEEL OF HIS CART, NOR BRUISE IT WITH HIS HORSEMEN.

 [Isaiah 28:29] THIS ALSO COMETH FORTH FROM THE LORD OF HOSTS, WHICH IS WONDERFUL IN COUNSEL, AND EXCELLENT IN WORKING.    
 

Isaiah-Chapter 29
[Isaiah 29:1] WOE TO ARIEL, TO ARIEL, THE CITY WHERE DAVID DWELT! ADD YE YEAR TO YEAR; LET THEM KILL SACRIFICES.                   
"ARIEL" means "lion [ari] of God[el]". It is used here as a name for Jerusalem.
Possible explanations for the name "Ariel" by Amos
Chacham:
The altar in the Temple is termed "Ha-
ariel" (Ezekiel 43;15 in Hebrew) meaning "the lion of God" because it eats up sacrifices like a lion or because the Sanctuary had architectural features reminiscent of a lion's body. Alternately the Temple Mount was originally called "Har-El" meaning Mountain of God and later the name was slightly changed to suggest a lion.
The whole of Jerusalem was therefore named "Ariel" after the Altar in the Temple or the Temple itself.
2. Jerusalem was called Ariel since it was in Judah whose symbol was a lion (Genesis 49;9).
"Ariel" may be derived from the
Akkadian "Yero-el" meaning "God will be seen". Abraham called the Temple Mount "God will make Himself be seen" (Genesis 22;14). Akkadian was the language of Ancient Mesopotamia (Assyria and Babylon) but it was also spoken in parts of the Land of Israel.
An inscription from Moab
meantions King David having conquered lands in Moab and setting up some kind of monument (possibly the statue of a lion) called an "Ariel" and representing David!

 [Isaiah 29:2] YET I WILL DISTRESS ARIEL, AND THERE SHALL BE HEAVINESS AND SORROW: AND IT SHALL BE UNTO ME AS ARIEL.            

 [Isaiah 29:3] AND I WILL CAMP AGAINST THEE ROUND ABOUT, AND WILL LAY SIEGE AGAINST THEE WITH A MOUNT, AND I WILL RAISE FORTS AGAINST THEE.

 [Isaiah 29:4] AND THOU SHALT BE BROUGHT DOWN, AND SHALT SPEAK OUT OF THE GROUND, AND THY SPEECH SHALL BE LOW OUT OF THE DUST, AND THY VOICE SHALL BE, AS OF ONE THAT HATH A FAMILIAR SPIRIT, OUT OF THE GROUND, AND THY SPEECH SHALL WHISPER OUT OF THE DUST.

 [Isaiah 29:5] MOREOVER THE MULTITUDE OF THY STRANGERS SHALL BE LIKE SMALL DUST, AND THE MULTITUDE OF  THE TERRIBLE ONES SHALL BE AS CHAFF THAT PASSETH AWAY: YEA, IT SHALL BE AT AN INSTANT SUDDENLY.
Jerusalem is beseiged by a great multitude but its beseigers suddenly are "blown away".

 [Isaiah 29:6] THOU SHALT BE VISITED OF THE LORD OF HOSTS WITH THUNDER, AND WITH EARTHQUAKE, AND GREAT NOISE, WITH STORM AND TEMPEST, AND THE FLAME OF DEVOURING FIRE.

 [Isaiah 29:7] AND THE MULTITUDE OF ALL THE NATIONS THAT FIGHT AGAINST ARIEL, EVEN ALL THAT FIGHT AGAINST HER AND HER MUNITION, AND THAT DISTRESS HER, SHALL BE AS A DREAM OF A NIGHT VISION.
All the peoples of the earth will attack Jerusalem and all of them will suddenly disappear.

 [Isaiah 29:8] IT SHALL EVEN BE AS WHEN AN HUNGRY MAN DREAMETH, AND, BEHOLD, HE EATETH; BUT HE AWAKETH, AND HIS SOUL IS EMPTY: OR AS WHEN A THIRSTY MAN DREAMETH, AND, BEHOLD, HE DRINKETH; BUT HE AWAKETH, AND, BEHOLD, HE IS FAINT, AND HIS SOUL HATH APPETITE: SO SHALL THE MULTITUDE OF ALL THE NATIONS BE, THAT FIGHT AGAINST MOUNT ZION.
It will be like a bad dream caused by physical discomfort. Often our external troubles reflect an internal spiritual malaise. Correct ourselves on a spiritual level and it may be that physically and materially our lot is bettered. 

 [Isaiah 29:9] STAY YOURSELVES, AND WONDER; CRY YE OUT, AND CRY: THEY ARE DRUNKEN, BUT NOT WITH WINE; THEY STAGGER, BUT NOT WITH STRONG DRINK.

 [Isaiah 29:10] FOR THE LORD HATH POURED OUT UPON YOU THE SPIRIT OF DEEP SLEEP, AND HATH CLOSED YOUR EYES: THE PROPHETS AND YOUR RULERS, THE SEERS HATH HE COVERED.
" THE PROPHETS AND YOUR RULERS" are as if sleeping and not seeing the obvious.

 [Isaiah 29:11] AND THE VISION OF ALL IS BECOME UNTO YOU AS THE WORDS OF A BOOK THAT IS SEALED, WHICH MEN DELIVER TO ONE THAT IS LEARNED, SAYING, READ THIS, I PRAY THEE: AND HE SAITH, I CANNOT; FOR IT IS SEALED:

 [Isaiah 29:12] AND THE BOOK IS DELIVERED TO HIM THAT IS NOT LEARNED, SAYING, READ THIS, I PRAY THEE: AND HE SAITH, I AM NOT LEARNED.

 [Isaiah 29:13] WHEREFORE THE LORD SAID, FORASMUCH AS THIS PEOPLE DRAW NEAR ME WITH THEIR MOUTH, AND WITH THEIR LIPS DO HONOUR ME, BUT HAVE REMOVED THEIR HEART FAR FROM ME, AND THEIR FEAR TOWARD ME IS TAUGHT BY THE PRECEPT OF MEN:                

 [Isaiah 29:14] THEREFORE, BEHOLD, I WILL PROCEED TO DO A MARVELLOUS WORK AMONG THIS PEOPLE, EVEN A MARVELLOUS WORK AND A WONDER: FOR THE WISDOM OF THEIR WISE MEN SHALL PERISH, AND THE UNDERSTANDING OF THEIR PRUDENT MEN SHALL BE HID.
"A MARVELLOUS WORK"
Until now a siege of Jerusalem has been described followed by miraculous deliverance. Isaiah in chapters 36 and 37 goes on to describe the Assyrian King Sennacherib
beseiging Jerusalem which is saved due to Divine Intervention. This chapter too could be referring to the same incident. King Hezekiah and part of the people were relying on assistance from Egypt. This was against the wish of God and the message of the Prophet. That is why some criticism is directed towards the people of Jerusalem. They lacked a true fear of the Almighty.  There are however details of the salvation here that were not fufilled in the salvation from Sennacherib. The Prophecy therefore is directed to the future and uses the case of Sennacherib as a prototype for descriptive purposes. The Sages said that Sennacherib and his forces was a prototype of the future "Gog and Magog". King Hezekiah was a forerunner of the coming Messiah and in other circumstances could have been the Messiah. Messiah means "Annoited Saviour". The Prophecy in its fullness will be fulfilled in the Latter Days. Some say that the troubles of Gog and Magog (Ezekiel 38) will continue for two or three years.
 
 [Isaiah 29:15] WOE UNTO THEM THAT SEEK DEEP TO HIDE THEIR COUNSEL FROM THE LORD, AND THEIR WORKS ARE IN THE DARK, AND THEY SAY, WHO SEETH US? AND WHO KNOWETH US?
God sees everything but we all at some time or other prefer to pretend to ourselves that He does not.

 [Isaiah 29:16] SURELY YOUR TURNING OF THINGS UPSIDE DOWN SHALL BE ESTEEMED AS THE POTTER'S CLAY: FOR SHALL THE WORK SAY OF HIM THAT MADE IT, HE MADE ME NOT" OR SHALL THE THING FRAMED SAY OF HIM THAT FRAMED IT, HE HAD NO UNDERSTANDING" 
Sometimes when things do not go as we wished or when temptation is strong we thing to oourselves that God did not make us really to obey His laws.

 [Isaiah 29:17] IS IT NOT YET A VERY LITTLE WHILE, AND LEBANON SHALL BE TURNED INTO A FRUITFUL FIELD, AND THE FRUITFUL FIELD SHALL BE ESTEEMED AS A FOREST.
Lebanon was a place of forest. Fruitful fieled = "Carmel" in Hebrew. Things will be reversed.

 [Isaiah 29:18] AND IN THAT DAY SHALL THE DEAF HEAR THE WORDS OF THE BOOK, AND THE EYES OF THE BLIND SHALL SEE OUT OF OBSCURITY, AND OUT OF DARKNESS.
Figurative (as well as literal). People will, repent. Those who made themselves as if to be blind and not read Scripture and deaf and not hear teaching will return and rectify themselves.

 [Isaiah 29:19] THE MEEK ALSO SHALL INCREASE THEIR JOY IN THE LORD, AND THE POOR AMONG MEN SHALL REJOICE IN THE HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL.

 [Isaiah 29:20] FOR THE TERRIBLE ONE IS BROUGHT TO NOUGHT, AND THE SCORNER IS CONSUMED, AND ALL THAT WATCH FOR INIQUITY ARE CUT OFF:
"THE TERRIBLE ONE" = "aritz" = tyrant.       
Nowadays those who deny the truth of Scripture have taken over. They have not proven anything but they act as if they had. Academics who believe in Scripture and say it would have trouble finding employment in certain areas. Believers are discriminated against.  People who believe in God and the Bible are sometimes made to feel embarrassed before educators and other people of authority and influence.

 [Isaiah 29:21] THAT MAKE A MAN AN OFFENDER FOR A WORD, AND LAY A SNARE FOR HIM THAT REPROVETH IN THE GATE, AND TURN ASIDE THE JUST FOR A THING OF NOUGHT.
Those who cause others to sin and disgrace they who do good will be no more. They will either repent or perish.

 [Isaiah 29:22] THEREFORE THUS SAITH THE LORD, WHO REDEEMED ABRAHAM, CONCERNING THE HOUSE OF JACOB, JACOB SHALL NOT NOW BE ASHAMED, NEITHER SHALL HIS FACE NOW WAX PALE.            
    THE HOUSE OF JACOB = "Yank", Union Jack"

 [Isaiah 29:23] BUT WHEN HE SEETH HIS CHILDREN, THE WORK OF MINE HANDS, IN THE MIDST OF HIM, THEY SHALL SANCTIFY MY NAME, AND SANCTIFY THE HOLY ONE OF JACOB, AND SHALL FEAR THE GOD OF ISRAEL.
The Children of Israel will return to worship the God of their forefathers.

 [Isaiah 29:24] THEY ALSO THAT ERRED IN SPIRIT SHALL COME TO UNDERSTANDING, AND THEY THAT MURMURED SHALL LEARN DOCTRINE.
 

Isaiah-Chapter 30
[Isaiah 30:1] 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:    

 [Isaiah 30:2] 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!    
Speaking of Judah who trusted in Egypt and looked to Egypt for help. In the past I identified Egypt ("Mitsrayim" in Hebrew) with Russia for several reasons.  Ancient Chinese civilization was also founded by migrants from Egypt or at least received an important input from Egypt in its early stages.
"NOT ASKED AT MY MOUTH": They did not ask of the Prophet because they thought there was no need.  We all slip up on this point. We should find ways to connect to the Almighty as much as we can.

 [Isaiah 30:3] THEREFORE SHALL THE STRENGTH OF PHARAOH BE YOUR SHAME, AND THE TRUST IN THE SHADOW OF EGYPT YOUR CONFUSION.

 [Isaiah 30:4] FOR HIS PRINCES WERE AT ZOAN, AND HIS AMBASSADORS CAME TO HANES.
Zoan and Hanes were important Egyptian cities.

 [Isaiah 30:5] 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.

 [Isaiah 30:6] 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.
Judah goes to great effort and risk to bribe and encourage a potential ally that will not help when they need it.
The Prophet always spoke in terms of their own times but gave a twist to their words whose pertinence will only become apparent in the Last Days.

 [Isaiah 30:7] FOR THE EGYPTIANS SHALL HELP IN VAIN, AND TO NO PURPOSE: THEREFORE HAVE I CRIED CONCERNING THIS, THEIR STRENGTH IS TO SIT STILL.

 [Isaiah 30:8] NOW GO, WRITE IT BEFORE THEM IN A TABLE, AND NOTE IT IN A BOOK, THAT IT MAY BE FOR THE TIME TO COME FOR EVER AND EVER:

 [Isaiah 30:9] THAT THIS IS A REBELLIOUS PEOPLE, LYING CHILDREN, CHILDREN THAT WILL NOT HEAR THE LAW OF THE LORD:
"NOT HEAR THE LAW" the Law must be obeyed.
"WILL NOT" in Hebrew "lo (not)
ovah (will or agree to)": the word "Ovah" meaning agree to can also be pronounced, "Obey" and it is the probable source of the English word "obey".
I looked in a dictionary and it traced the English word "obey" to Middle English "
obeien" to Old French "obeir" from Latin "oboedire" [meaning "to listen to"] .
Even so the Hebrew "obey" meaning accede, agree to, or even "obey" is closer to the English "Obey" than the words the English "Obey" is supposed to have been derived from.  This is not an isolated example but occurs frequently, in fact more often than not.

 [Isaiah 30:10] WHICH SAY TO THE SEERS, SEE NOT; AND TO THE PROPHETS, PROPHESY NOT UNTO US RIGHT THINGS, SPEAK UNTO US SMOOTH THINGS, PROPHESY DECEITS:
We do not want to hear the advice of the Prophets.

 [Isaiah 30:11] GET YOU OUT OF THE WAY, TURN ASIDE OUT OF THE PATH, CAUSE THE HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL TO CEASE FROM BEFORE US. 
We would rather not know, not have the obligation entailed with being Israelites imposed upon us. Being part of the Chosen People also means having cerain responsibilities to act in a certain way.

 [Isaiah 30:12] WHEREFORE THUS SAITH THE HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL, BECAUSE YE DESPISE THIS WORD, AND TRUST IN OPPRESSION AND PERVERSENESS, AND STAY THEREON:
"TRUST IN OPPRESSION AND PERVERSENESS": This is represented by "Mitsrayim". Mitsrayim" (Egypt or whatever "Mitsrayim" represents in the Last Days: China" Russia") is established on a system of oppression and perversion. By relying on her we are de facto agreeing with this system of oppression. (Amos Chacham).

 [Isaiah 30:13] THEREFORE THIS INIQUITY SHALL BE TO YOU AS A BREACH READY TO FALL, SWELLING OUT IN A HIGH WALL, WHOSE BREAKING COMETH SUDDENLY AT AN INSTANT.
The bursting of a dam. Sudden and overwhelming disaster.

 [Isaiah 30:14] AND HE SHALL BREAK IT AS THE BREAKING OF THE POTTERS' VESSEL THAT IS BROKEN IN PIECES;  HE SHALL NOT SPARE: SO THAT THERE SHALL NOT BE FOUND IN THE BURSTING OF IT A SHERD TO TAKE FIRE FROM THE HEARTH, OR TO TAKE WATER WITHAL OUT OF THE PIT.

 [Isaiah 30:15] FOR THUS SAITH THE LORD GOD, THE HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL; IN RETURNING AND REST SHALL YE BE SAVED; IN QUIETNESS AND IN CONFIDENCE SHALL BE YOUR STRENGTH: AND YE WOULD NOT.
God says, "Be calm" Trust in Him and He will save you.He also said it in the past as recalled by Isaiah and we would not listen.

 [Isaiah 30:16] BUT YE SAID, NO; FOR WE WILL FLEE UPON HORSES; THEREFORE SHALL YE FLEE: AND, WE WILL   RIDE UPON THE SWIFT; THEREFORE SHALL THEY THAT PURSUE YOU BE SWIFT.
We prepared a means of escape therefore we were made to flee and those who pursued us were faster than we were.

 [Isaiah 30:17] ONE THOUSAND SHALL FLEE AT THE REBUKE OF ONE; AT THE REBUKE OF FIVE SHALL YE FLEE: TILL YE BE LEFT AS A BEACON UPON THE TOP OF A MOUNTAIN, AND AS AN ENSIGN ON AN HILL.
We will run away even though we outnumber the enemy. Hear a noise and flee for our lives.

 [Isaiah 30:18] AND THEREFORE WILL THE LORD WAIT, THAT HE MAY BE GRACIOUS UNTO YOU, AND  THEREFORE WILL HE BE EXALTED, THAT HE MAY HAVE MERCY UPON YOU: FOR THE LORD IS A GOD OF JUDGMENT: BLESSED ARE ALL THEY THAT WAIT FOR HIM.    
Even so, God will help us. We sinned through weakness. Maybe we asked for the disgrace that came to us but perhaps at some level we did not really deserve it. God will help us.
There was always something inside us that really wanted to listen to the Prophets. As a body of people there were always individuals amongst us who remained faithful. These individuals represented an inner desire of all of us that we declined to express or recognize.

 [Isaiah 30:19] FOR THE PEOPLE SHALL DWELL IN ZION AT JERUSALEM: THOU SHALT WEEP NO MORE: HE WILL BE VERY GRACIOUS UNTO THEE AT THE VOICE OF THY CRY; WHEN HE SHALL HEAR IT, HE WILL ANSWER THEE.

 [Isaiah 30:20] AND THOUGH THE LORD GIVE YOU THE BREAD OF ADVERSITY, AND THE WATER OF AFFLICTION, YET SHALL NOT THY TEACHERS BE REMOVED INTO A CORNER ANY MORE, BUT THINE EYES SHALL SEE THY TEACHERS:
Even in hardship we will be provided for. We will recognize they whom HE has appointed to guide us.

 [Isaiah 30:21] AND THINE EARS SHALL HEAR A WORD BEHIND THEE, SAYING, THIS IS THE WAY, WALK YE IN IT, WHEN YE TURN TO THE RIGHT HAND, AND WHEN YE TURN TO THE LEFT.
Both figurative and actual. When we repent we shall know how to act as if a constant guide was with us. At some stage in the Last Days a new spirit will be in us and we will all be guided directly from above.

 [Isaiah 30:22] YE SHALL DEFILE ALSO THE COVERING OF THY GRAVEN IMAGES OF SILVER, AND THE ORNAMENT OF THY MOLTEN IMAGES OF GOLD: THOU SHALT CAST THEM AWAY AS A MENSTRUOUS CLOTH; THOU SHALT SAY UNTO  IT, GET THEE HENCE.
Idolatry will be rejected. Physical idols will be smashed and despised. Idolatrous modes of thought will be put away and regarded as contemptible.

 [Isaiah 30:23] THEN SHALL HE GIVE THE RAIN OF THY SEED, THAT THOU SHALT SOW THE GROUND WITHAL; AND BREAD OF THE INCREASE OF THE EARTH, AND IT SHALL BE FAT AND PLENTEOUS: IN THAT DAY SHALL THY CATTLE FEED IN LARGE PASTURES.
Things will be as they were at the level of nature but there will be a blessing in everything.

 [Isaiah 30:24] THE OXEN LIKEWISE AND THE YOUNG ASSES THAT EAR THE GROUND SHALL EAT CLEAN PROVENDER, WHICH HATH BEEN WINNOWED WITH THE SHOVEL AND WITH THE FAN.

 [Isaiah 30:25] AND THERE SHALL BE UPON EVERY HIGH MOUNTAIN, AND UPON EVERY HIGH HILL, RIVERS AND   STREAMS OF WATERS IN THE DAY OF THE GREAT SLAUGHTER, WHEN THE TOWERS FALL.            
When God and Magog as smashed there will be a great earthquake. The mountains shall burst forth gushing with water. In the Land of Israel exist great aquifers and underground lakes not all of which are known to us.

 [Isaiah 30:26] MOREOVER THE LIGHT OF THE MOON SHALL BE AS THE LIGHT OF THE SUN, AND THE LIGHT OF THE   SUN SHALL BE SEVENFOLD, AS THE LIGHT OF SEVEN DAYS, IN THE DAY THAT THE LORD BINDETH UP THE BREACH OF HIS PEOPLE, AND HEALETH THE STROKE OF THEIR WOUND.
There will be some type of cosmic change. Perhaps the moon or sun will draw closer to the earth, perhaps this will have a gravitational effect and result in earthquakes"

 [Isaiah 30:27] BEHOLD, THE NAME OF THE LORD COMETH FROM FAR, BURNING WITH HIS ANGER, AND THE BURDEN THEREOF IS HEAVY: HIS LIPS ARE FULL OF INDIGNATION, AND HIS TONGUE AS A DEVOURING FIRE:

 [Isaiah 30:28] AND HIS BREATH, AS AN OVERFLOWING STREAM, SHALL REACH TO THE MIDST OF THE NECK, TO SIFT THE NATIONS WITH THE SIEVE OF VANITY: AND THERE SHALL BE A BRIDLE IN THE JAWS OF THE PEOPLE, CAUSING THEM TO ERR.

 [Isaiah 30:29] YE SHALL HAVE A SONG, AS IN THE NIGHT WHEN A HOLY SOLEMNITY IS KEPT; AND GLADNESS OF HEART, AS WHEN ONE GOETH WITH A PIPE TO COME INTO THE MOUNTAIN OF THE LORD, TO THE MIGHTY ONE OF ISRAEL.

 [Isaiah 30:30] AND THE LORD SHALL CAUSE HIS GLORIOUS VOICE TO BE HEARD, AND SHALL SHEW THE LIGHTING DOWN OF HIS ARM, WITH THE INDIGNATION OF HIS ANGER, AND WITH THE FLAME OF A DEVOURING FIRE, WITH SCATTERING, AND TEMPEST, AND HAILSTONES.

 [Isaiah 30:31] FOR THROUGH THE VOICE OF THE LORD SHALL THE ASSYRIAN BE BEATEN DOWN, WHICH SMOTE WITH A ROD.
"THE ASSYRIAN BE BEATEN DOWN": In Isaiah's time there occurred a great disaster to the armies of Sennacherib that were besieging Jerusalem. Isaiah uses this event as a prototype for the future. The Assyrians moved into Europe. Part of them settled in West Germany and Bavaria. 

 [Isaiah 30:32] AND IN EVERY PLACE WHERE THE GROUNDED STAFF SHALL PASS, WHICH THE LORD SHALL LAY UPON HIM, IT SHALL BE WITH TABRETS AND HARPS: AND IN BATTLES OF SHAKING WILL HE FIGHT WITH IT.
God will fight against the enemies of Israel. Just as in Ancient times armies used to go out to war with bands of musicians playing with drums (Hebrew: "toopim") and other instruments so too will HIS war be preceded by the noise of earthquake and heavenly movements.

 [Isaiah 30:33] FOR TOPHET IS ORDAINED OF OLD; YEA, FOR THE KING IT IS PREPARED; HE HATH MADE IT  DEEP AND LARGE: THE PILE THEREOF IS FIRE AND MUCH WOOD; THE BREATH OF THE LORD, LIKE A STREAM OF BRIMSTONE, DOTH KINDLE IT.
"TOPHET" [Hebrew: "tophta"] a place of burning. Perhaps a play on words, i.e. "toph" = drum, "tophta" = The fire of destruction for the wicked.
 
 



  Isaiah chs. 21 to 25

Isaiah chs. 31 to 35 

See also:
Biblical Proofs
http://www.britam.org/Proof/ProofsIntro.html
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