Isaiah 30:16

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This was said to Israel at a particular time, so it is wise to read it together with the surrounding text. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
“No,” you say, “we will flee on horses.” Therefore you will flee! “We will ride swift horses,” but your pursuers will be faster.
KJV
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.
WEB
but you said, “No, for we will flee on horses;” therefore you will flee; and, “We will ride on the swift;” therefore those who pursue you will be swift.
ASV
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.
DARBY
And ye said, No, but we will flee upon horses, therefore shall ye flee; and, We will ride upon the swift, therefore shall they that pursue you be swift.
BLB
and you⁺ said, “No,” for we will flee on horses.” Therefore you⁺ will flee—“For we will ride on swift ones.” (upon thus, those pursuing you⁺ will be swift.)
ÅB
Dere sa: Nei, på hester vil vi fly - derfor skal dere flykte - og på rappføtte dyr vil vi ride - derfor skal deres forfølgere være rappe.
OTB
Dere sa, 'Nei, vi vil flykte på hester.' Derfor skal dere flykte! Dere sa, 'Vi vil ri på raske hester.' Derfor skal deres forfølgere være raske!
B1930
I sa: Nei, på hester vil vi flyve - derfor skal I flykte - og på rappføtte dyr vil vi ride - derfor skal eders forfølgere være rappe.

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • Isaiah 31:1

    Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!

    Read in context
  • Deuteronomy 28:25

    The LORD shall cause thee to be smitten before thine enemies: thou shalt go out one way against them, and flee seven ways before them: and shalt be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth.

    Read in context
  • Jeremiah 4:13

    Behold, he shall come up as clouds, and his chariots shall be as a whirlwind: his horses are swifter than eagles. Woe unto us! for we are spoiled.

    Read in context
  • Amos 9:1

    I saw the Lord standing upon the altar: and he said, Smite the lintel of the door, that the posts may shake: and cut them in the head, all of them; and I will slay the last of them with the sword: he that fleeth of them shall not flee away, and he that escapeth of them shall not be delivered.

    Read in context
  • Psalms 33:17

    An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength.

    Read in context
  • Isaiah 31:3

    Now the Egyptians are men, and not God; and their horses flesh, and not spirit. When the LORD shall stretch out his hand, both he that helpeth shall fall, and he that is holpen shall fall down, and they all shall fail together.

    Read in context
  • Isaiah 10:28–32

    He is come to Aiath, he is passed to Migron; at Michmash he hath laid up his carriages:

    Read in context
  • Psalms 147:10

    He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man.

    Read in context