Isaiah 31

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 31:2

Yet he also is wise - God is wise. It is in vain to attempt to deceive him, or to accomplish such purposes without his knowledge.And will bring evil - The punishment which is due to such want of confidence in him.But will arise against the house of the evil-doers - This is a general proposition, and it is evidently just as true now as it was in the time of Isaiah. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 31:3

Now the Egyptians are men - They are nothing but people; they have no power but such as other people possess. The idea here is, that the case in reference to which they sought aid was one in which “divine” help was indispensable, and that, therefore, they relied on the aid of the Egyptians in vain.And their horses flesh, and not spirit - There is need, not merely of “physical” strength, but of wisdom, and intelligence, and it is in vain to look for that in mere brutes.Both he that helpeth -... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 31:4

For thus hath the Lord spoken - The design of this verse and the following is to assure the Jews of the certain protection of Yahweh, and thus to induce them to put their trust in him rather than to seek the alliance with Egypt. To do this the prophet makes use of two striking illustrations, the first of which is, that Yahweh would be no more alarmed at the number and power of their enemies than a fierce lion would be that was intent on his prey, and could not be frightened from it by any... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 31:5

As birds flying - This is another comparison indicating substantially the same thing as the former, that Yahweh would protect Jerusalem. The idea here is, that He would do it in the same manner as birds defend their young by hovering over them, securing them under their wings, and leaping forward, if they are suddenly attacked, to defend them. Our Saviour has used a similar figure to indicate his readiness to have defended and saved the same city Matthew 23:27, and it is possible that he may... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 31:6

Turn ye unto him - In view of the fact that he will assuredly defend Jerusalem, commit yourselves unto him rather than seek the aid of Egypt.Have deeply revolted - For the meaning of this phrase, see the note at Isaiah 29:15. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 31:7

For in that day - That is, in the invasion of Sennacherib, and the events that shalt be consequent thereon.Every man shall cast away his idols - (see the note at Isaiah 30:22; compare the note at Isaiah 2:20).For a sin - Or rather, the sin which your own hands have made. The sense is, that the making of those idols had been a sin, or sin itself. It had been “the” sin, by way of eminence, which was chargeable upon them. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 31:8

Then shall the Assyrian fall with the sword - The sword is often used as an instrument of punishment. It is not meant here literally that the sword would be used, but it is employed to denote that complete destruction would come upon them.Not of a mighty man - The idea here is, that the army should not fall by the valor of a distinguished warrior, but that it should be done by the direct interposition of God (see Isaiah 37:36).Of a mean man - Of a man of humble rank. His army shall not be slain... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 31:9

And he shall pass over - Margin, ‘His rock shall pass away for fear.’ The Hebrew would bear this, but it does not convey a clear idea. The sense seems to be this. The word rendered ‘stronghold’ (Hebrew, ‘His rock’) denotes his fortifications, or the places of strength in which he trusted. Probably the Assyrian monarch had many such places which he regarded as perfectly secure, both in the limits of his own kingdom, and on the line of his march toward Judea. Those places would naturally be made... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Isaiah 31

A.M. 3279. B.C. 725. In this chapter the same subject is continued which was treated of in the preceding. (1,) A wo is pronounced on those that trusted to the Egyptians, and not to God, for succour, when the Assyrian army invaded them, Isaiah 31:1-3 . (2,) An assurance is given them, that God would take care of Jerusalem in that time of danger and distress, Isaiah 31:4 , Isaiah 31:5 . (3,) They are called to repentance and reformation, Isaiah 31:6 , Isaiah 31:7 . (4,) The... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Isaiah 31:1-3

Isaiah 31:1-3. Wo to them that go down to Egypt, &c. As the Jews did, contrary to God’s command, Deuteronomy 17:16. And stay on horses For Egypt had many and choice horses. But they look not unto the Lord Their confidence in the creature was accompanied with, and produced, a distrust of God, and a neglect of seeking to him by prayer for his help. Yet he also is wise, &c. You think you are wise, in engaging the Egyptians; but God is not inferior to them in wisdom or strength, but... read more

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 31:2

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 31:3

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 31:4

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 31:5

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 31:6

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 31:7

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 31:8

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 31:9

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Isaiah 31

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Isaiah 31:1-3

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