Isaiah 30:9-10
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It's easy to see these words as just a list of accusations, but notice the specific phrase "lying children." This highlights that their rebellion isn't just outward disobedience, but a deeper internal deceit where their actions don't align with their professed faith, a betrayal of their covenant relationship with God.
For they are a rebellious people, lying children, children unwilling to hear the instruction of the LORD; who say to the seers, “Do not see,” and to the prophets, “Do not prophesy to us what is right; speak to us smooth things, prophesy illusions,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Isaiah is delivering a message to the people of Judah who are seeking alliances with Egypt for protection against Assyria, despite God's clear commands against it. This verse is part of the prophecy detailing God's judgment on their disobedience, emphasizing their persistent refusal to listen to His instruction. The prophecy commands Isaiah to record these words so they serve as a lasting testimony of their rebellion and the consequences that will follow.
The verse calls God's people 'lying children.' What does it mean to lie to God, and why is this such a grave offense?
The people of Israel, though called God's children, are described as 'lying.' This doesn't mean they were telling literal falsehoods, but rather that their actions and choices were a profound contradiction to their covenant relationship with God.
Covenant Betrayal
This 'lying' is a form of unfaithfulness, a betrayal of trust. It's like a child promising their parent they'll do something, only to secretly do the opposite. It breaks the bond of trust and love.
The people 'unwilling to hear the instruction of the LORD.' What was this instruction, and why was it so crucial?
The 'instruction of the LORD' (or 'law' in some translations) refers not just to the Ten Commandments, but to all of God's guidance and teaching given through His prophets and His written Word. This instruction was the blueprint for Israel's life, designed to set them apart and ensure their well-being.
Rejecting Wisdom
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Understand the original words
torah · Hebrew Noun
Refers to God’s written law, wisdom, or prophetic guidance. It signifies the authoritative teaching that directs the heart and conduct of the people toward obedience to God.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, covenantal name of the God of Israel. It denotes His self-existence, eternal nature, and faithfulness to His people through His redemptive promises.
chozeh · Hebrew Noun
Individuals authorized by God to receive visions and divine revelations; they serve as spiritual eyes for the nation to discern God’s will.
nabiy · Hebrew Noun
A spokesperson for God who conveys His mind and heart to the people, calling them to repentance and declaring His sovereign purposes, whether of judgment or salvation.
hatathim · Hebrew Noun
Refers to anything that deviates from the objective truth of God’s Word; it represents falsehood, deception, or spiritual delusion that contradicts the reality of God's holiness.
This verse was spoken during a tumultuous period when Judah, facing the overwhelming power of empires like Assyria and later Babylon, repeatedly chose to seek alliances with foreign powers like Egypt, despite God's clear commands and prophetic warnings. Their 'rebellious' and 'lying' nature is revealed in their hollow professions of faith contrasted with their actions of distrusting God and relying on worldly strength.
Late 8th century BC
Assyrian Expansion
The Neo-Assyrian Empire, under rulers like Tiglath-Pileser III and Sargon II, expanded its dominion, posing a significant threat to the kingdoms of Israel and Judah.
c. 734–732 BC
Syro-Ephraimite War
Assyria intervenes in a conflict where the Northern Kingdom of Israel and Syria attempt to force Judah into an anti-Assyrian coalition.
722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Northern Kingdom
The Assyrian Empire conquers the Northern Kingdom of Israel, deporting many of its inhabitants. Judah is spared but becomes an Assyrian vassal.
c. 705-701 BC
Hezekiah's Revolt
King Hezekiah of Judah rebels against Assyrian rule, seeking alliances with Egypt, despite warnings from the prophet Isaiah.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Siege of Jerusalem
Sennacherib, king of Assyria, campaigns against Judah, besieging Jerusalem. The city is miraculously spared, but Judah suffers significant losses.
c. 609-605 BC
Egyptian Influence and Rise of Babylon
Following Assyria's decline, Egypt exerts influence over Judah. However, Babylon under Nebuchadnezzar rises to power, defeating Egypt.
c. 597 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon attacks Judah, exiling King Jehoiachin and many of the elite to Babylon, marking the beginning of the Babylonian exile.
This passage also describes a people who, like those in Isaiah 30:9, have turned away from God's instruction and have a stubborn, rebellious heart that refuses to be corrected.
Proverbs 1:22-31This proverb warns of the consequences for those who reject wisdom and instruction, mirroring Isaiah's message that the rebellious will face destruction rather than hear the Lord's reproof.
Hebrews 12:25The author of Hebrews urges his readers not to refuse the one speaking from heaven, just as Isaiah condemns those who refuse to hear the LORD's instruction, highlighting the grave danger of rejecting divine counsel.
Isaiah 1:2-4This earlier passage in Isaiah also depicts Israel as rebellious and unhearing children, setting a thematic precedent for the further condemnation found in Isaiah 30:9.
cambridgeIsaiah 30:9: "That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD:"
9 . lying children ] or faithless sons ; see on ch. Isaiah 1:2 , cf. Malachi 1:6 the law ] the instruction , as ch. Isaiah 1:10 . 9–11 . The documents (as in Isaiah 8:16 ) are a protest against the persistent disobedience of the people. Render with R.V. For it is , &c.
barnesIsaiah 30:9: "That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD:"
That this is a rebellious people - (see the note at Isaiah 1:2 ). Lying children - They had promised in solemn covenant to take Yahweh as their God, but they had been unfaithful to their vows.
It's easy to see these words as just a list of accusations, but notice the specific phrase "lying children." This highlights that their rebellion isn't just outward disobedience, but a deeper internal deceit where their actions don't align with their professed faith, a betrayal of their covenant relationship with God.
Isaiah is delivering a message to the people of Judah who are seeking alliances with Egypt for protection against Assyria, despite God's clear commands against it. This verse is part of the prophecy detailing God's judgment on their disobedience, emphasizing their persistent refusal to listen to His instruction. The prophecy commands Isaiah to record these words so they serve as a lasting testimony of their rebellion and the consequences that will follow.
Isaiah is delivering a message to the people of Judah who are seeking alliances with Egypt for protection against Assyria, despite God's clear commands against it. This verse is part of the prophecy detailing God's judgment on their disobedience, emphasizing their persistent refusal to listen to His instruction. The prophecy commands Isaiah to record these words so they serve as a lasting testimony of their rebellion and the consequences that will follow.
"For they are a rebellious people, lying children, children unwilling to hear the instruction of the LORD; who say to the seers, “Do not see,” and to the prophets, “Do not prophesy to us what is right; speak…" — It's easy to see these words as just a list of accusations, but notice the specific phrase "lying children." This highlights that their rebellion isn't just outward disobedience, but a deeper interna…
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Last reviewed October 2026
