Old Testament Commentary - Isaiah 31

by Don R. Hender


Scriptural Text [& Editorial]
Commentary & Explanation
Footnotes ~ References ~ JST
                   CHAPTER 31                    

Israel reproved for turning to Egypt for help—When the Lord comes he will defend and preserve his people.

  1 WOE to them that go down to Egypt for ahelp; and bstay on chorses, 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 aevil, and will notbcall 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 aGod; 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 bholpen shall fall down, and they all shall fail together.
  4 For thus hath the LORD spoken unto me, Like as the alion 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 bfight for mount Zion, and for the hill thereof.
  5 As birds aflying, so will the LORD of hosts bdefend 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 idolsa of silver, and his idols of gold, which your own hands have made unto you for a sin.
 7a in that day every man shall cast away his idols Of course 'that day' references the last days and the idols are more than pagan false gods but all the false things which men do serve and worship above god which includes riches, power, pride and popularity among the weaknesses of the flesh.
  8 ¶ Then shall the Assyrian fall with the asword, 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 aensign, saith the LORD, whose fire is in Zion, and his furnace in Jerusalem.