Isaiah 31:1

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Isaiah 31:1-5

This is the last of four chapters together that begin with woe; and they are all woes to the sinners that were found among the professing people of God, to the drunkards of Ephraim (Isa. 28:1), to Ariel (Isa. 29:1), to the rebellious children (Isa. 30:1), and here to those that go down to Egypt for help; for men's relation to the church will not secure them from divine woes if they live in contempt of divine laws. Observe, I. What the sin was that is here reproved, Isa. 31:1. 1. Idolizing the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Isaiah 31:1

Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help ,.... Or, "O ye that go down", &c.; what poor foolish creatures are you! And in the end what miserable and wretched ones will ye be! Such were the Jewish rulers and people, who either went themselves, or sent ambassadors to the king of Egypt, to supply them with men and horses against the king of Assyria, contrary to the express command of God, which forbid them returning to Egypt; and which showed their unmindfulness of deliverance from thence,... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Isaiah 31:1

Wo to them that go down to Egypt - This is a reproof to the Israelites for forming an alliance with the Egyptians, and not trusting in the Lord. And stay on horses "Who trust in horses" - For ועל veal , and upon, first twenty MSS. of Kennicott's, thirty of De Rossi's, one of my own, and the Septuagint, Arabic, and Vulgate, read על al , upon, without the conjunction, which disturbs the sense. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 31:1

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 31:1

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 31:1

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 31:1-3

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 31:1-5

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

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 31:1

Wo - (see the note at Isaiah 30:1).To them that go down to Egypt - (see the note at Isaiah 30:2).And stay on horses - (see the note at Isaiah 30:16).And trust in chariots - (see the note at Isaiah 21:7). That they were often used in war, is apparent from the following places Joshua 11:4; Judges 1:19; 1 Samuel 13:5; 2 Samuel 8:4.Because they are many - Because they hope to secure the aid of many. See the references above. It is evident that their confidence in them would be in proportion to 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

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