Isaiah 30:6
6. burden—the prophecy as to, &c. [MAURER]; so the Septuagint, the fresh inscription here marks emphatically the prediction that follows. Or, rather, Isaiah sees in vision, the ambassador's beasts burdened with rich presents travelling southwards (namely, to Egypt, Da 11:5, 6), and exclaims, Oh, the burden of treasure on the beasts! &c. (Ho 8:9; 12:1).
land of trouble—the desert between Palestine and Egypt, destitute of water and abounding in dangerous animals (De 8:15; Jer 2:6). flying serpent— (Isa 14:29), a species which springs like a dart from trees, on its prey. will carry—rather, present, "carry," namely, as presents to Egypt (1Ki 15:19). young asses—rather, "full-grown asses" [MAURER].Isaiah 57:9
9. the king—the idol which they came to worship, perfumed with oil, like harlots (Jer 4:30; Eze 23:16, 40). So "king" means idol (Am 5:26; Zep 1:5); (malcham meaning "king") [ROSENMULLER]. Rather, the king of Assyria or Egypt, and other foreign princes, on whom Israel relied, instead of on God; the "ointment" will thus refer to the presents (Ho 12:1), and perhaps the compliances with foreigners' idolatries, whereby Israel sought to gain their favor [LOWTH] (Isa 30:6; Eze 16:33; 23:16; Ho 7:11).
send . . . messengers far off—not merely to neighboring nations, but to those "far off," in search of new idols, or else alliances. even unto hell—the lowest possible degradation.