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!
2 Yet he also [is] wise, and will bring evil, and will not call back his words: but will arise against the house of the evildoers, and against the help of them that work iniquity.
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.
4 For thus hath the LORD spoken unto me, Like as the lion and the young lion roaring on his prey, when a multitude of shepherds is called forth against him, [he] will not be afraid of their voice, nor abase himself for the noise of them: so shall the LORD of hosts come down to fight for mount Zion, and for the hill thereof.
5 As birds flying, so will the LORD of hosts defend Jerusalem; defending also he will deliver [it; and] passing over he will preserve [it].
6 Turn ye unto [him from] whom the children of Israel have deeply revolted.
7 For in that day every man shall cast away his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which your own hands have made unto you [for] a sin.
8 Then shall the Assyrian fall with the sword, not of a mighty man; and the sword, not of a mean man, shall devour him: but he shall flee from the sword, and his young men shall be discomfited.
9 And he shall pass over to his strong hold for fear, and his princes shall be afraid of the ensign, saith the LORD, whose fire [is] in Zion, and his furnace in Jerusalem.
Overview of Isaiah Chapter 31
Isaiah Chapter 31 addresses the theme of reliance on God versus reliance on human strength and military power. The chapter serves as a warning to the people of Judah against seeking help from Egypt in their time of trouble, emphasizing the futility of trusting in human alliances instead of divine protection.
Key Themes
- Trust in God: The chapter emphasizes the importance of placing trust in God rather than in earthly powers.
- Judgment on Egypt: It highlights the limitations and eventual downfall of relying on Egypt for military assistance.
- Divine Protection: The assurance that God will protect His people if they turn to Him in faith.
Verse-by-Verse Analysis
- Verse 1:
The chapter opens with a condemnation of those who seek help from Egypt. It underscores the foolishness of relying on horses and chariots, which symbolize military strength.
- Verse 2:
This verse reassures that God is still in control, despite the people’s inclination to seek human help. It emphasizes that God is capable of delivering His people from danger.
- Verse 3:
Here, the text contrasts the strength of humans with the omnipotence of God, asserting that the Egyptians are mere mortals and not divine beings.
- Verse 4:
The imagery of a lion and young lions illustrates God’s fierce protection over His people, indicating that He will defend them against their enemies.
- Verse 5:
This verse reinforces the notion of divine intervention, portraying God as a protective bird sheltering His people under His wings.
- Verse 6:
Isaiah calls the people to return to God, highlighting the need for repentance and a return to faithfulness.
- Verse 7:
The chapter warns that the day of reckoning will come, where the people will turn away from their false idols and recognize their need for God.
- Verse 8:
This verse prophesies the downfall of Assyria, indicating that those who trust in God will ultimately prevail over their enemies.
- Verse 9:
The chapter concludes with a proclamation of God’s sovereignty, affirming that He will strike down the Assyrians and protect His people.
Literary Devices
- Imagery: Vivid imagery is used throughout the chapter, such as the lion and the protective bird, to convey God’s strength and care.
- Metaphors: The comparison of Egypt to a broken reed illustrates the fragility of human alliances.
- Repetition: The repeated calls to trust in God serve to emphasize the central message of the chapter.
Theological Implications
Isaiah 31 presents significant theological implications regarding faith, divine sovereignty, and the nature of true security. It challenges believers to evaluate their sources of strength and encourages a deeper reliance on God as the ultimate protector and deliverer.
Conclusion
In summary, Isaiah Chapter 31 serves as a powerful reminder of the futility of human reliance in times of crisis and the importance of turning to God for protection and guidance. It calls for repentance and faithfulness, assuring believers of God’s unwavering support against their adversaries.
