Isaiah 31:5

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 31:5

As birds flying, so will the Lord of hosts defend Jerusalem ,.... As the preceding metaphor expresses the mighty power of God, this his tenderness and affection, as well as his speed and swiftness in the deliverance of his people. As birds in the air, at a distance, especially the eagle, have their eye upon their nests, and their young ones in them, and when in danger fly to their assistance, and hover over them, and about them, to keep off those that would hurt them, or carry them away; so... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Isaiah 31:5

Passing over "Leaping forward" - The generality of interpreters observe in this place an allusion to the deliverance which God vouchsafed to his people when he destroyed the first-born of the Egyptians, and exempted those of the Israelites sojourning among them by a peculiar interposition. The same word is made use of here which is used upon that occasion, and which gave the name to the feast which was instituted in commemoration of that deliverance, פסח pesach . But the difficulty is to... 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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 31:4-6

Similes of the nature and power of Jehovah. I. THE LION . He is pictured watching over the holy city, the "peculiar treasure," the invisible Sanctuary of the religion and the people, as a lion over its prey, in the presence of threatening shepherds. "As from a carcase herdsmen strive in vain To scare a tawny lion, hunger-pinch'd; Ev'n so th' Ajaces, mail-clad warriors, faird The son of Priam from the corse to scare." ('Iliad,' 18.161.) It is a fine image—found twice in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 31:4-9

A PROMISE OF PROTECTION , AND OF THE DISCOMFITURE OF ASSYRIA . In the promise of protection ( Isaiah 31:4 , Isaiah 31:5 ) there is nothing new but the imagery, which is of remarkable beauty. The promise is followed by a brief exhortation ( Isaiah 31:6 , Isaiah 31:7 ); and then the discomfiture of Assyria is declared in the plainest terms, and her flight before the avenging sword of God ( Isaiah 31:8 , Isaiah 31:9 ). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 31:5

As birds flying ; rather, as birds hovering , or fluttering , ever their young, to protect them. A second simile, expressive of tenderness, as the former one was of power and strength. Defending, also , etc. Translate, defending and delivering , passing over and preserving . In the word "passing over" there seems to be a reference to the institution of the Passover, when the angel, sometimes identified with Jehovah himself, "passed ever" and spared the Israelites. 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

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Isaiah 31:4-5

Isaiah 31:4-5. For, or but or, nevertheless, thus hath the Lord spoken That is, although you have done evil in sending to Egypt for help, and they will not be able to help you, yet the Lord will of his own grace, and for the glory of his own name, give you that help and deliverance which you do not deserve, and had no reason to expect from him. Like as the lion roaring on his prey When he is ready to seize upon and devour it; he will not be afraid, nor abase himself So as to be in... read more

Donald C. Fleming

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

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