Isaiah 31ASV
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Isaiah31

American Standard Version · Public Domain

1Woe to them that 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 look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek Jehovah!

2Yet he also is wise, and will bring evil, and will not call back his words, but will arise against the house of the evil-doers, and against the help of them that work iniquity.

3Now the Egyptians are men, and not God; and their horses flesh, and not spirit: and when Jehovah shall stretch out his hand, both he that helpeth shall stumble, and he that is helped shall fall, and they all shall be consumed together.

4For thus saith Jehovah unto me, As the lion and the young lion growling over his prey, if a multitude of shepherds be called forth against him, will not be dismayed at their voice, nor abase himself for the noise of them: so will Jehovah of hosts come down to fight upon mount Zion, and upon the hill thereof.

5As birds hovering, so will Jehovah of hosts protect Jerusalem; he will protect and deliver it, he will pass over and preserve it.

6Turn ye unto him from whom ye have deeply revolted, O children of Israel.

7For in that day they shall cast away every man his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which your own hands have made unto you for a sin.

8And the Assyrian shall fall by the sword, not of man; and the sword, not of men, shall devour him; and he shall flee from the sword, and his young men shall become subject to taskwork.

9And his rock shall pass away by reason of terror, and his princes shall be dismayed at the ensign, saith Jehovah, whose fire is in Zion, and his furnace in Jerusalem.

Study Guide

Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Isaiah 31.

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Chapter Summary

In this chapter: The sin and folly of seeking help from Egypt. (1-5). God's care for Jerusalem. (6-9).

vv1-5

God will oppose the help sought from workers of iniquity. Sinners may be convicted of folly by plain and self-evident truths, which they cannot deny, but will not believe. There is no escaping the judgments of God; and evil pursues sinners. The Lord of hosts will come down to fight for Mount Zion. The Lion of the tribe of Judah will appear for the defence of his church. And as birds hovering over their young ones to protect them, with such compassion and affection will the Lord of hosts defend Jerusalem. He will so defend it, as to secure its safety.

vv6-9

They have been backsliding children, yet children; let them return, and their backslidings shall be healed, though they have sunk deep into misery, and cannot easily recover. Many make an idol of their silver and gold, and by the love of that are drawn from God; but those who turn to God, will be ready to part with it. Then, when they have cast away their idols, shall the Assyrian fall by the sword of an angel, who strikes more strongly than a mighty man, yet more secretly than a mean man. God can make the stoutest heart to tremble. But if we keep up the fire of holy love and devotion in our hearts and houses, we may depend upon God to protect us and them.

Cross References

Isaiah 31

Explicit prohibition against going down to Egypt to multiply horses.

Supported by Matthew Poole, John Calvin

v2Numbers 23:19thematic

Contrast of human wisdom with God who does not lie or 'call back his words'.

Supported by JFB

v5Exodus 12:27allusion

Verb for 'passing over' (pesach) directly echoes the sparing of Israel at Passover.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB

v1Psalms 20:7thematic

Direct thematic parallel: trusting in chariots and horses versus the name of God.

Supported by JFB

v1Isaiah 30:1-7thematic

The immediately preceding context condemning the embassy to Egypt for military alliance.

Supported by John Calvin

v3Psalms 146:3-5thematic

Contrasts trusting in mortal princes (flesh) with trusting in the Lord.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB

v4Hosea 11:10thematic

Parallels the roaring lion metaphor representing God's powerful, dramatic intervention.

Supported by JFB

The image of birds hovering to protect their young matches the Lord protecting Jerusalem.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB

v8Isaiah 37:36fulfillment

The historical destruction of Sennacherib's army by the angel (not human sword).

Supported by Matthew Poole

v11 Kings 10:28thematic

Historical background showing Egypt as the primary ancient source for horses.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB

v3Psalms 56:4thematic

Expresses trust in God over fear of what mortal 'flesh' can do.

Supported by JFB

Illustrates gold and silver idols made 'unto you for a sin'.

Supported by JFB

v9Isaiah 29:1allusion

Connects Jerusalem as the altar-hearth ('furnace') with the name 'Ariel'.

Supported by JFB

v9Isaiah 37:37fulfillment

Records the immediate retreat of Sennacherib back to Nineveh after the plague.

Supported by JFB