Isaiah 31NIV
Books
All books

Isaiah31

New International Version

1Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the multitude of their chariots and in the great strength of their horsemen, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel, or seek help from the Lord.

2Yet he too is wise and can bring disaster; he does not take back his words. He will rise up against that wicked nation, against those who help evildoers.

3But the Egyptians are mere mortals and not God; their horses are flesh and not spirit. When the Lord stretches out his hand, those who help will stumble, those who are helped will fall; all will perish together.

4This is what the Lord says to me: “As a lion growls, a great lion over its prey— and though a whole band of shepherds is called together against it, it is not frightened by their shouts or disturbed by their clamor— so the Lord Almighty will come down to do battle on Mount Zion and on its heights.

5Like birds hovering overhead, the Lord Almighty will shield Jerusalem; he will shield it and deliver it, he will ‘pass over’ it and will rescue it.”

6Return, you Israelites, to the One you have so greatly revolted against.

7For in that day every one of you will reject the idols of silver and gold your sinful hands have made.

8“Assyria will fall by no human sword; a sword, not of mortals, will devour them. They will flee before the sword and their young men will be put to forced labor.

9Their stronghold will fall because of terror; at the sight of the battle standard their commanders will panic,” declares the Lord, whose fire is in Zion, whose furnace is in Jerusalem.

Study Guide

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

Full AI study →

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