Woe. The fourth of the six woes. down. It is always "down" to Egypt, geographically and morally. trust = confide. Hebrew. batah. App-69 . the Holy One of Israel. See note on Isaiah 1:4 .Psalms 71:22 . neither seek the LORD. Compare Isaiah 30:2 . Reference to Pentateuch (Deuteronomy 17:16 ). App-92 . the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. (with 'eth). App-4 . read more
This chapter might be entitled "More of the Same"; but there are some significant differences. Jehovah appears in this chapter as a lion defending his prey (Jerusalem) against false shepherds; and the idols of the people are discarded as, at last, they "trust in God" when the armies of Sennacherib are actually deployed around the city. As Barnes expressed it: "It is evident that this chapter is composed at about the same time as the preceding, and relates to the same subject."[1] The changes... read more
1. and stay on horses, and trust in chariots—In their level and fertile plains horses could easily be used and fed (Exodus 14:9; 1 Kings 10:28). In hilly Palestine horses were not so easily had or available. The Jews were therefore the more eager to get Egyptian chariots as allies against the Assyrian cavalry. In Assyrian sculptures chariots are represented drawn by three horses, and with three men in them (see Isaiah 36:9; Psalms 20:7; Daniel 9:13). 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
1-5. Judah should trust not in Egypt, but in Jehovah. 6-9. The wonderful deliverance from the Assyrian.1. See Isaiah 30:16. 2. Somewhat sarcastic; Jehovah is wise, as well as the politicians of Judah. Evil] i.e. calamity. 5. Flying] i.e. hovering over the nest to protect it. Passing over] an allusion to the Passover, the same word being used.6. The children, etc.] RV ’ye have deeply revolted, O children of Israel.’8. The Assyrian’s fall will be brought about by no human agency. For the... read more
XXXI.(1) Woe to them that go down . . .—The Egyptian alliance was, of course, the absorbing topic of the time, and Isaiah returns to it yet again. As in Isaiah 30:16, the princes of Judah were attracted by the prospect of strengthening themselves in their weakest point, and reinforcing the cavalry of Judah, which could hardly be mentioned by an Assyrian ambassador without a smile (Isaiah 36:9), with an Egyptian contingent. Isaiah once more condemns this as trusting in an “arm of flesh “instead... read more
CHAPTER XIVTHREE TRUTHS ABOUT GODABOUT 702 B.C.Isaiah 31:1-9CHAPTER 31, which forms an appendage to chapters 29 and 30, can scarcely be reckoned among the more important prophecies of Isaiah. It is a repetition of the principles which the prophet has already proclaimed in connection with the faithless intrigues of Judah for an alliance with Egypt, and it was published at a time when the statesmen of Judah were further involved in these intrigues, when events were moving faster, and the prophet... read more
CHAPTER 31 The Fifth Woe Against Them that Go Down to Egypt 1. The Egyptian Alliance condemned again (Isaiah 31:1-3 ) 2. Jehovah promises to deliver Jerusalem (Isaiah 31:4-9 ) All looks forward towards the future. It is Jerusalem’s glorious future. The Lord will deliver it; He will preserve it (Isaiah 31:5 ). read more
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Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Isaiah 31:1-9
Egypt cannot save Judah (31:1-9)Isaiah again condemns the Judeans for relying on Egypt instead of on God. The Judeans think they are wise, but actually they are foolish. Real wisdom rests with God, and he knows best how to overthrow Assyria. As for Egypt, it will be defeated, and when it falls, Judah also will fall (31:1-3).Judah should learn to trust in God. A lion is not terrified by the shouts of shepherds, and God is not terrified by the threats of the Assyrians. He will protect Jerusalem... read more