John Calvin Commentary Isaiah 30:4

"For their princes are at Zoan, and their ambassadors are come to Hanes." — Isaiah 30:4 (ASV)

For his princes were in Zoan. The Prophet not only says that the aid of the Egyptians was sought, and that they were invited to assist, but expresses something more, namely, that the Jews obtained it with great labor and expense. They had to perform long and painful journeys, to endure much toil, and to expend vast sums of money, in order to arrive, loaded with presents, at the most distant cities of Egypt, which are named here by the Prophet.

On this embassy were sent, not people of low or ordinary rank, but princes and nobles; and therefore the censure was more severe, because they slavishly solicited an alliance with Egypt, and wandered like supplicants through various countries. It is also important to keep in mind the contrast that we have already pointed out. They did not need to go far to seek God; they did not need to endure much toil, or spend large sums of money, in calling on him. He invited them by his promise, This is my rest, and assured them that in that place they would not call upon him in vain. (Psalms 132:14; Isaiah 28:12) But those wretched people despised God and chose instead to torment themselves and to run to the very ends of the world, rather than receive the assistance that was offered to them.