Then shall the Assyrian fall, etc. - Because he was to be discomfited by the angel of the Lord, destroying in his camp, in one night, upwards of one hundred and eighty thousand men; and Sennacherib himself fell by the hands of the princes, his own sons. Not mighty men, for they were not soldiers; not mean men, for they were princes. read more
Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help (comp. Isaiah 30:1 , Isaiah 30:2 ; and see also the earlier prophecy, Isaiah 20:2-6 ). The examples of Samaria, Gaza, and Ashdod might well have taught the lesson of distrust of Egypt, without any Divine warnings. But the Jews were infatuated, and relied on Egypt despite her previous failures to give effective aid. And stay on horses . The Assyrian cavalry was very numerous, and very efficient. It is often represented on the monuments.... read more
Wrong sources of help. "Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help." Egypt is used in Scripture as a symbol of all foreign worldly powers. It represented carnal force—"trusting in chariots, horses, and horsemen, because they are very strong." "Looking," as the same verse says, "to them," and not looking unto the Holy One of Israel. I. WOE , BECAUSE GOD HAS SAID IT . He is wise, and knows the end from the beginning. We are dazzled with the show of power. The neighing of the... read more
Names for God. Here the Lord, or Jehovah, is called the "Holy One of Israel." When the mysterious name "Jehovah" was given, another name, suited for more familiar use, was commended, even this, "the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob." Instructive suggestions come from placing these three names together, as representing I. "I AM " ( YEHVEH ); OR , GOD ABSOLUTE . 1. This name in truth involves the namelessness of God. It is as if he had said to Moses, "You ask for my Name.... read more
A FURTHER WARNING AGAINST SEEKING THE ALLIANCE OF EGYPT . This prophecy seems to be quite independent of the last ( Isaiah 30:1-7 ). It may have been given earlier or later. The chief point brought out, which had not distinctly appeared previously, is the value set on the horses and chariots of Egypt in the conflict with Assyria. read more
The arm of flesh. How important is this subject we may gather from the fact that the prophet is inspired to return to it, and to reiterate his condemnation (see Isaiah 30:1 ). The disposition to lean on the arm of flesh instead of trusting in the living God is not Jewish, but bureau; not peculiar to any age or dispensation, but is an abiding spiritual peril. We learn here— I. THE FALLACY WHICH IT INVOLVES . 1. The Jews were trusting in numbers . Looking to the horses... read more
Yet he also is wise . Intense irony. "Wisdom is not wholly confined to the human counselors whose advice Judah follows ( Isaiah 29:14 ). He (Jehovah) is 'wise' too, and could give prudent counsel if his advice were asked." As he is not consulted, he will bring evil upon his people, and will not call back , or retract, his words of threatening, but will give them accomplishment, by rising up against the house of the evil-doers ( i.e. the Jews), and their help ( i.e. the... read more
Divine reservation and consistency. "Yet he … will bring evil, and will not call back his words" Doubtless God seems to call back his words. "The Lord repented of the evil which he thought to do" ( Exodus 32:14 ; 2 Samuel 24:16 ; 2:18 , etc.). "He heard their cry … and repented, according to the multitude of his mercies", ( Psalms 105:44 , Psalms 105:45 ). Yet, says the prophet, "he will bring evil and not call back his words." How explain this? The explanation of it is found in... read more
The wisdom of God in his punishments. "Yet he also is wise." These words seem to have been spoken as an ironical parenthesis. He also, as well as the Jewish politicians. "The words vindicate to Jehovah the skill and power adequate to inflict punishment on both the contracting parties, together with veracity in carrying his threatenings into execution." "God was as wise as the Egyptians, and ought therefore to have been consulted; he was as wise as the Jews, and could therefore thwart their... read more
Get Bible verse every day in your inbox
Read on Mobile
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Isaiah 31:7
Which your own hands have made unto you for a sin "The sin, which their own hands have made" - The construction of the word חטא chet , sin , in this place is not easy. The Septuagint have omitted it: MSS. Pachom. and 1. D. 2 and Cod. Marchal. in margine , supply the omission by the word ἁμαρτιαν , sin, or ἁμαρτημα , said to be from Aquila's Version, which I have followed. The learned Professor Schroeder, Institut. Ling. Hebrews p. 298, makes it to be in regimine with ידיכם ... read more