Get out of the way;This phrase reflects the rebellious attitude of the people of Judah towards the prophets and God's message. Historically, the people were often resistant to prophetic warnings, preferring messages that aligned with their desires. This resistance is seen throughout the Old Testament, where prophets like Jeremiah and Ezekiel faced opposition. The phrase suggests a desire to remove any obstacles to their own plans, ignoring divine guidance.
turn off the road.
The imagery of turning off the road symbolizes a deliberate choice to deviate from the path of righteousness. In biblical terms, the "road" often represents the way of life that God prescribes.Proverbs 14:12 warns that there is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. This phrase indicates a conscious decision to abandon God's direction, which is a recurring theme in Israel's history.
Rid us of the Holy One of Israel!”
The title "Holy One of Israel" emphasizes God's unique and set-apart nature. It is a title used frequently in Isaiah, highlighting God's covenant relationship with Israel. The people's demand to be rid of the Holy One reflects a deep-seated rejection of God's authority and presence. This rejection is prophetic of the ultimate rejection of Christ, the Holy One, by many of His own people, as seen inJohn 1:11. The desire to be free from God's influence is a tragic theme that runs through the narrative of Israel's history, leading to their eventual exile.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
IsaiahA major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah is the author of the book. He prophesied to the Kingdom of Judah during a time of political turmoil and spiritual decline.
2.
JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, which was often in conflict with surrounding nations and struggled with idolatry and disobedience to God.
3.
The Holy One of IsraelA title for God used frequently in Isaiah, emphasizing His holiness and covenant relationship with Israel.
4.
Prophets and SeersIndividuals called by God to deliver His messages to the people. In this context, they are being rejected by the people of Judah.
5.
Assyrian ThreatThe geopolitical backdrop of Isaiah's prophecy, where Judah faced the threat of Assyrian invasion and was tempted to seek alliances with other nations instead of relying on God.
Teaching Points
Rejection of God's GuidanceThe people of Judah were rejecting God's path, seeking to remove His influence from their lives. This reflects a broader human tendency to resist divine authority and pursue self-determined paths.
The Consequences of DisobedienceIgnoring God's guidance leads to spiritual and often physical peril. Judah's desire to rid themselves of God's presence foreshadows the judgment and hardship they would face.
The Holiness of GodThe title "Holy One of Israel" underscores God's purity and separateness. Recognizing His holiness should lead to reverence and obedience, not rejection.
The Importance of Listening to God's WordJust as Judah was called to heed the words of the prophets, Christians today are called to listen to and apply the teachings of Scripture.
Trust in God Over Human AlliancesJudah's temptation to rely on foreign alliances rather than God serves as a reminder to place our trust in God rather than in human solutions.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Isaiah 30:11?
2.How does Isaiah 30:11 warn against rejecting God's guidance in our lives?
3.What does "stop confronting us with the Holy One" reveal about Israel's attitude?
4.How can Isaiah 30:11 be applied to modern-day Christian living?
5.What other scriptures warn against turning away from God's truth and guidance?
6.How can we ensure we remain open to God's correction and instruction today?
7.What does Isaiah 30:11 reveal about human resistance to divine guidance?
8.How does Isaiah 30:11 challenge our understanding of truth and deception?
9.Why do people prefer illusions over truth according to Isaiah 30:11?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 30?
11.In Isaiah 54:1, how can a barren woman have more children than one who is married without a literal or scientific explanation?
12.In Ezekiel 7:2, the text mentions 'the four corners of the land'--how can this be reconciled with modern geography and a spherical Earth?
13.How could Moses and the elders literally 'see' God and survive (Exodus 24:9-11)?
14.How is the Holy Spirit depicted in the Old Testament?What Does Isaiah 30:11 Mean
Get out of the wayIsaiah paints a scene where Judah tells God’s messengers, “Get out of the way.” In everyday terms, they are saying, “Step aside, preacher—your words make us uncomfortable.”
• The people prefer smooth talk to straight truth, mirroring the spirit ofJeremiah 6:16-17, where Judah answers God’s call to “the good way” with a blunt, “We will not walk in it!”
•Amos 2:12 records the same reflex: “You must not prophesy.” When conviction bites, the quickest fix is to silence the messenger.
• Paul foresees the pattern in2 Timothy 4:3-4: itching ears collect teachers who echo their desires.
God’s literal, authoritative word stands in the road like a traffic officer. Rebellious hearts would rather swerve than submit.
Turn off the roadThe next demand—“turn off the road”—escalates from removing the messenger to rerouting the entire journey. Judah wants an alternate route devoid of divine checkpoints.
•Proverbs 14:12 warns that a self-chosen detour “seems right… but its end is the way of death.”
• In Isaiah’s own day they looked south to Egypt for security (Isaiah 30:1-2) rather than north to heaven.
•Psalm 1:1 contrasts the blessed man who “does not walk in the counsel of the wicked” with those happy to stroll there.
Choosing a different road does not change the destination God has set; it simply trades safety for ruin.
Rid us of the Holy One of Israel!Here is the heart-cry of rebellion: “Rid us of the Holy One of Israel!” The title stresses God’s moral perfection; sinners would rather cancel His holiness than confront their sin.
• Israel’s earlier plea for a human king carried the same sentiment (1 Samuel 8:7).
• Stephen’s accusers reacted likewise: “You stiff-necked people… you always resist the Holy Spirit” (Acts 7:51-54).
• Woe follows such rejection (Isaiah 30:12-14): walls collapse, jars shatter, trust crumbles.
To dismiss the Holy One is to discard the only One who can save.
summaryIsaiah 30:11 traces a fatal three-step slide: shove God’s word aside, forge an alternate path, then evict God Himself. The verse warns every generation that real freedom is found not in dodging holiness but in yielding to it. Wholehearted surrender to the Holy One of Israel keeps us on the road of life and shields us from the ruin that lies just beyond every self-made detour.
(11)
Cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us.--It would seem as if the iterated utterance of this Divine name by Isaiah caused a bitterness of irritation which was not roused by the more familiar "Lord," or even by "Jehovah." It made men feel that they stood face to face with an infinite holiness, and this they could not bear.
Verse 11. -
Cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us. "The Holy One of Israel" was one of Isaiah's most frequent names for the Almighty. He used it especially when rebuking Israel's unholiness (
Isaiah 1:4;
Isaiah 5:24, etc.). The irreligious Jews were weary of this constant iteration, and wished to hear no more concerning this "Holy One," whose very holiness was a reproach to them.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Get outס֚וּרוּ(sū·rū)Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 5493:To turn asideofמִנֵּי־(min·nê-)Preposition
Strong's 4480:A part of, from, out ofthe way;דֶ֔רֶךְ(ḏe·reḵ)Noun - common singular
Strong's 1870:A road, a course of life, mode of actionleaveהַטּ֖וּ(haṭ·ṭū)Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 5186:To stretch out, spread out, extend, incline, bendthe pathway.אֹ֑רַח(’ō·raḥ)Noun - common singular
Strong's 734:A well-trodden road, a caravanRidהַשְׁבִּ֥יתוּ(haš·bî·ṯū)Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 7673:To repose, desist from exertionus ofמִפָּנֵ֖ינוּ(mip·pā·nê·nū)Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common plural
Strong's 6440:The facethe Holyקְד֥וֹשׁ(qə·ḏō·wōš)Adjective - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6918:Sacred, God, an angel, a saint, a sanctuaryOne of Israel.”יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃(yiś·rā·’êl)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478:Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc
Links
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OT Prophets: Isaiah 30:11 Get out of the way (Isa Isi Is) 
