men, and not GOD. Figure of speech Pleonasm . The statement put two ways for great emphasis (positive and negative). men. Hebrew. 'ddam. App-14 . GOD. Hebrew El = the mighty God. App-4 . flesh, and not spirit. Figure of speech Pleonasm . See above. spirit. Hebrew. ruach. App-9 . read more
"Now the Egyptians are men, and not God; and their horses are flesh, and not spirit: and when Jehovah shall stretch out his hand, both he that helpeth shall stumble, and he that is helped shall fall, and they all shall be consumed together."The New Testament use of the word "flesh" for the lower element in human life does not appear in this passage. "It is the weak and mortal in contrast with the immortal and omnipotent,"[5] which is stressed here.Kelley called this, "One of the truly great... read more
3. not spirit—not of divine power (Psalms 56:4; Psalms 146:3; Psalms 146:5; Zechariah 4:6). he that helpeth—Egypt. holpen—Judah. 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 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
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
(3) The Egyptians are men . . .—We hear again the key-note of Isaiah’s teaching. The true strength of a nation lay in its spiritual, not in its material, greatness: in seeking the Holy One of Israel by practising holiness. Without that condition the alliance with Egypt would be fatal both to those that sought for help and those who gave it. 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