Isaiah 31:4 - Exposition

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 Jerusalem, which he will allow, no one to rend from him. And the young lion ; rather, even the young lion (Lowth). A single animal must be intended. Roaring on his prey ; rather, growleth over his prey . So shall the Lord of hosts come down to fight for Mount Zion ; rather, so shall the Lord of hosts descend , to fight , on Mount Zion . If we connect the concluding words of the clause with tsaba , to fight, the meaning must be "fight against," as Delitzsch shows conclusively. But we may connect them with the more distant yered , will descend, in which case they will mean "on," or " upon Mount Zion" (comp. Exodus 19:18 ; Psalms 133:3 ). The best commentators are of opinion that this must be the sense. The words are a promise, not a threat.