6. The power and love of Jehovah, just mentioned, are the strongest incentives for returning to Him (Ezekiel 16:62; Ezekiel 16:63; Hosea 6:1). ye . . . Israel—The change of person marks that when they return to the Lord, He will address them in more direct terms of communion in the second person; so long as they were revolters, God speaks of them, as more at a distance, in the third person, rather than to them. read more
7. In the day of trial the idols will be found to render no help and will therefore be cast away. Compare as to the future restoration and conversion of Israel simultaneously with the interposition of Jehovah in its defense, Zechariah 12:9-14; Zechariah 13:1; Zechariah 13:2. for a sin—that is, whereby especially you contracted guilt (Zechariah 13:2- :). read more
8. Assyrian—Sennacherib, representative of some powerful head of the ungodly in the latter ages [HORSLEY]. sword, not of . . . mighty . . . mean man—but by the unseen sword of God. flee—Sennacherib alone fled homewards after his army had been destroyed ( :-). young men—the flower of his army. discomfited—rather, "shall be subject to slavery"; literally, "shall be liable to tribute," that is, personal service (Deuteronomy 20:11; Joshua 9:21) [MAURER]. Or, not so well, "shall melt away"... read more
9. Rather, "shall pass beyond his strongholds"; he Shall not stop to take refuge in it through fear (Judges 20:47; Jeremiah 48:28) [GESENIUS]. ensign—the banner of Jehovah protecting the Jews [MAURER]. fire . . . furnace—"light" and "fire," namely, of Jehovah's altar at Jerusalem (Isaiah 29:1). Perhaps "furnace," as distinguished from "fire," may mean that His dwelling-place (His hearth) was at Jerusalem (compare Isaiah 29:1- :); or else the fiery furnace awaiting all the enemies who should... read more
The woe against rejecters of God’s help chs. 31-32Like the third "woe" (ch. 30), this fourth one deals with the folly of trusting in Egypt for security rather than the Lord. It applies particularly the principles set forth in the first part of the second "woe" (Isaiah 29:1-14), as is clear from the many word and thought links in these passages. read more
The prophet condemned those in Judah and Jerusalem who were relying on the brute strength, the military might, and the trained personnel of Egypt to provide security for their nation (cf. Deuteronomy 17:14-20). Going down to Egypt to secure these things revealed a lack of trust in the Holy One of Israel who had long ago proved His sovereignty over Egypt. Rather, the people should have simply looked to the Lord and cultivated a relationship with Him.". . . when any people feel that special... read more
Imminent disaster and later deliverance 31:1-5The first five verses constitute a prologue to this "woe" and deal with imminent disaster followed by later deliverance."Without any particular break in the thought Isaiah continues his denunciation of those who look to Egypt for aid." [Note: Young, 2:373.] read more
The politicians in Jerusalem who advocated alliance with Egypt undoubtedly considered their policy wise (cf. Isaiah 5:21; Isaiah 19:11-15; Isaiah 28:14-15; Isaiah 30:1-2). But Isaiah, in irony, pointed out that the Lord, who purposed disaster for those who refused to trust Him, was the truly Wise One. He would be faithful to His Word to oppose the party of evildoers and those wicked "helpers" in whom the Judeans trusted. read more
The contrast between the relative strength of humans and God is stark."To us ’flesh’ seems so substantial, because visible and tangible, while ’spirit’ may seem ethereal. . . . Nothing could be further from biblical thinking, as a glance at passages like Zechariah 4:6 and John 3:5-8 will disclose." [Note: Grogan, p. 202.] Yahweh would stretch out His hand in powerful judgment to defeat the helpers (Egypt) as well as the helped (Judah) because they trusted in human power rather than in God (cf.... read more
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Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 31:5
5. As in the image of "the lion," the point of comparison is the fearless might of Jehovah; so in that of the birds, it is His solicitous affection (Deuteronomy 32:11; Psalms 91:4; Matthew 23:37). flying—Rather, "which defend" their young with their wings; "to fly" is a secondary meaning of the Hebrew word [MAURER]. "Hovering over" to protect their young [G. V. SMITH]. passing over—as the destroying angel passing over, so as to spare the blood-marked houses of the Israelites on the first... read more