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Isaiah 31

World English Bible

WEB

1Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, and rely on horses, and trust in chariots because they are many, and in horsemen because they are very strong, but they don’t look to the Holy One of Israel, and they don’t seek Yahweh! 2Yet he also is wise, and will bring disaster, and will not call back his words, but will arise against the house of the evildoers, and against the help of those who work iniquity. 3Now the Egyptians are men, and not God; and their horses flesh, and not spirit. When Yahweh stretches out his hand, both he who helps shall stumble, and he who is helped shall fall, and they all shall be consumed together. 4For Yahweh says to me, “As the lion and the young lion growling over his prey, if a multitude of shepherds is called together against him, will not be dismayed at their voice, nor abase himself for their noise, so Yahweh of Armies will come down to fight on Mount Zion and on its heights. 5As birds hovering, so Yahweh of Armies will protect Jerusalem. He will protect and deliver it. He will pass over and preserve it.” 6Return to him from whom you have deeply revolted, children of Israel. 7For in that day everyone shall cast away his idols of silver and his idols of gold—sin which your own hands have made for you. 8“The Assyrian will fall by the sword, not of man; and the sword, not of mankind, shall devour him. He will flee from the sword, and his young men will become subject to forced labor. 9His rock will pass away by reason of terror, and his princes will be afraid of the banner,” says Yahweh, whose fire is in Zion, and his furnace in Jerusalem.

World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

Isaiah Chapter 31 presents a powerful message about reliance on God versus reliance on human strength. The chapter begins by condemning those who seek help from #Egypt, turning to horses and chariots for security instead of trusting in the Lord. The prophet Isaiah emphasizes that these earthly powers are ultimately futile, as they are mere flesh and not divine. This warning serves as a reminder that true strength and protection come from the Almighty God, who is capable of delivering His people from their enemies. The text highlights the importance of faith in God's sovereignty over any worldly alliance or military might.

The chapter continues with a promise of divine intervention. God assures His people that He will defend #Jerusalem and protect it from the Assyrian threat. The Lord is depicted as a lion roaring over His prey, signifying His fierce commitment to safeguard His people. Isaiah reassures the Israelites that their enemies will fall by the sword, not through human effort, but by the hand of God. This chapter ultimately calls the people to return to the Lord, emphasizing that their salvation and strength lie in Him alone, reinforcing the theme of divine deliverance and the futility of misplaced trust.

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Referenced by

  1. Isaiah 20:6v1Isaiah 20:6 describes the realization of the inhabitants of the coastlands that their reliance on Egypt and Cush was in vain. Isaiah 31:1 warns against seeking help from Egypt, urging trust in the Holy One of Israel instead. Both passages highlight the folly of relying on human strength over divine support.
  2. Hosea 5:13v1Hosea 5:13 criticizes Israel for seeking help from Assyria rather than God, similar to Isaiah 31:1 where woe is pronounced on those who rely on Egypt instead of the Lord.
  3. Hosea 7:11v1Hosea 7:11 compares Ephraim to a senseless dove calling to Egypt and Assyria, similar to Isaiah 31:1, which warns against seeking help from Egypt instead of trusting in God.
  4. Nahum 2:13v8Nahum 2:13 declares God's opposition to Nineveh, similar to Isaiah 31:8-9 where God promises to defend Jerusalem and cause the Assyrians to fall by the sword, highlighting divine sovereignty and protection.

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