Isaiah 31:4, Isaiah 40:12, Isaiah 40:28 ESV

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 31:4

For thus hath the Lord spoken unto me ,.... The prophet Isaiah, who had heard and received what follows from the Lord, and therefore it might be depended upon; and they are words of grace and mercy, promising preservation and deliverance; and therefore it was a foolish thing to send to Egypt for help: Like as the lion, and the young lion roaring on his prey ; or "muttering", or "growling over his prey" F18 יהגה על טרפו "ab" הגה , "mussitare." ; for the lion roars when he is... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Isaiah 31:4

Like as the lion - This comparison is exactly in the spirit and manner, and very nearly approaching to the expression, of Homer. Βη ρ ' ιμεν, ὡστε λεων ορεσιτροφος, ὁστ ' επιδευηςπ Δηρον εῃ κρειων, κελεται δε ἑ θυμος αγηνωρ,π Μηλων πειρησοντα, και ες πυκινον δομον ελθειν·π Ειπερ γαρ χ ' εὑρῃσι παρ ' αυτοψι βωτορας ανδραςπ Συν κυσι και δουρεσσι φυλασσοντας περι μηλα,π Ου ρα τ ' απειρητος μεμονε σταθμοιο διεσθαι.π Αλλ ' ὁγ ' αῥ η ἡρπαξε... 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

Like as the lion , etc. The resemblance of this simile to Hem; 'Iliad,' 18.11. 161, 162, has been often noticed. In both, the lion has seized his prey, and is crouching over it; the shepherds gather themselves together against him, and seek to scare him away; but he remains firm, undaunted by their threats and cries, never for a moment relinquishing the body of which he has made himself the master. The image is best explained as representing Jehovah, standing over and keeping guard on... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 31:4

God unhindered by fears of man. We fear and tremble before boastful words and a great show of force, but we may well remember that God does not. He reckons it all at its true worth, and goes on with his Divine working quite unmoved by all the rage. The figure in this verse needs careful explanation. The allusion is to the boastings and threatenings of Sennacherib. God has undertaken to defend the city of Jerusalem. As the lion will not give up his prey, so Jehovah will not allow the... 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

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

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

Isaiah 31:4, Isaiah 40:12, Isaiah 40:28 Esv

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

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Isaiah 31:4

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Isaiah 31:4

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 31:1-5

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 31:4

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 31:4

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 31:4-6

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 31:4-9

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

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

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