Isaiah Chapter 31 — The Folly of Trusting in Egypt
Isaiah warns Israel against seeking help from Egypt's military, urging them instead to rely on God who promises to protect Jerusalem and defeat the Assyrians.
1Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help,
2Yet he also is wise, and will bring disaster,
3Now the Egyptians are men, and not God;
4For the LORD says to me,
5As birds hovering, so the LORD of Armies will protect Jerusalem.
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;
9His rock will pass away by reason of terror,
WEB Translation
Notable Verses
Isaiah 31:3
“Now the Egyptians are men, and not God; and their horses flesh, and not spirit.”
This verse highlights the contrast between human military strength and the divine power of God.
Isaiah 31:5
“As birds hovering, so the LORD of Armies will protect Jerusalem.”
It uses a vivid metaphor to illustrate God's watchful and protective care over His people.
Chapter Summary
Isaiah 31 addresses the leaders of Judah who were seeking a military alliance with Egypt to protect themselves from the Assyrian threat. The prophet delivers a sharp warning, stating that help from Egypt is futile because the Egyptians are merely mortal men and their horses are only flesh, not spirit. When the Lord acts, both the helper and the helped will fall together. However, Isaiah also provides a vision of hope, comparing God's protection of Jerusalem to a lion defending its prey and a bird hovering over its nest. The chapter concludes with a call for the people of Israel to return to the Lord and cast away their man-made idols. It predicts that Assyria will fall not by human strength or a mortal's sword, but by the power of God, causing their leaders to flee in terror. The text emphasizes that true security is found only in divine providence rather than political maneuvering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Isaiah warned against the alliance because it demonstrated a lack of faith in God. He pointed out that Egypt's strength was merely human and mortal, whereas true protection comes from the Lord.
The Lord compares His protection to a lion growling over its prey and birds hovering over their nests. These images suggest that God is both powerful in defense and tenderly watchful over the city.
The chapter predicts that Assyria will fall by a sword that is 'not of man.' This indicates that their defeat will be brought about by divine intervention rather than human military conflict.
Study Note
The imagery of birds 'hovering' in verse 5 uses the same Hebrew root word often associated with the Passover, signifying God's active preservation of His people.
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