30:4 Though his 1 officials are in Zoan
and his messengers arrive at Hanes, 2
31:9 They will surrender their stronghold 3 because of fear; 4
their officers will be afraid of the Lord’s battle flag.” 5
This is what the Lord says –
the one whose fire is in Zion,
whose firepot is in Jerusalem. 6
1 sn This probably refers to Judah’s officials and messengers.
2 sn Zoan was located in the Egyptian delta in the north; Hanes was located somewhere in southern region of lower Egypt, south of Memphis; the exact location is debated.
3 tn Heb “rocky cliff” (cf. ASV, NASB “rock”), viewed metaphorically as a place of defense and security.
4 tn Heb “His rocky cliff, because of fear, will pass away [i.e., “perish”].”
5 tn Heb “and they will be afraid of the flag, his officers.”
6 sn The “fire” and “firepot” here symbolize divine judgment, which is heating up like a fire in Jerusalem, waiting to be used against the Assyrians when they attack the city.