Isaiah 31
Read Isaiah 31 (WEB)+
1Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, and rely on horses, and trust in chariots because they are many, and in horsemen because they are very strong, but they don’t look to the Holy One of Israel, and they don’t seek Yahweh! 2Yet he also is wise, and will bring disaster, and will not call back his words, but will arise against the house of the evildoers, and against the help of those who work iniquity. 3Now the Egyptians are men, and not God; and their horses flesh, and not spirit. When Yahweh stretches out his hand, both he who helps shall stumble, and he who is helped shall fall, and they all shall be consumed together. 4For Yahweh says to me, “As the lion and the young lion growling over his prey, if a multitude of shepherds is called together against him, will not be dismayed at their voice, nor abase himself for their noise, so Yahweh of Armies will come down to fight on Mount Zion and on its heights. 5As birds hovering, so Yahweh of Armies will protect Jerusalem. He will protect and deliver it. He will pass over and preserve it.” 6Return to him from whom you have deeply revolted, children of Israel. 7For in that day everyone shall cast away his idols of silver and his idols of gold—sin which your own hands have made for you. 8“The Assyrian will fall by the sword, not of man; and the sword, not of mankind, shall devour him. He will flee from the sword, and his young men will become subject to forced labor. 9His rock will pass away by reason of terror, and his princes will be afraid of the banner,” says Yahweh, whose fire is in Zion, and his furnace in Jerusalem.
World English Bible (public domain)
“"Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help and rely on horses, who trust in chariots because they are many and in horsemen because they are very strong, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel or consult the Lord!"”
Isaiah 31:1
Summary
Isaiah 31 warns against placing trust in human power and wisdom rather than relying on the Lord. The Israelites are criticized for seeking military help from Egypt, a symbol of human strength, rather than turning to God for protection. Isaiah reminds the people of God’s sovereignty, emphasizing that trusting in chariots and horsemen instead of the Almighty is folly. The chapter proceeds with a vivid depiction of God’s judgement against the nations that oppose Him and His people, highlighting His power and determination to defend Jerusalem. The people of Judah are called to repentance and reminded of God’s readiness to deliver them if they would only turn back to Him. Through this message, Isaiah reinforces the themes of divine providence and the futility of relying on earthly aid.
Go deeper
Ask the AI about Isaiah 31
Bring your question about the chapter, the key verse, or how this passage fits the rest of Scripture.
Daily Scripture study
Get a short devotional by email
One passage, one reflection, and one practical question for the day.
Subscribe free and instantly get “Depth Without Seminary” — our step-by-step study guide (PDF).
One short email each morning. Unsubscribe anytime.
Studying Isaiah with a print Bible beside you? See our picks for the best study Bibles for men.
Chapter outline
How Isaiah 31 unfolds
Isaiah 31:1–3 Woe to Those Seeking Egypt's Help
The chapter opens with a warning against relying on Egypt for military support instead of seeking God. Isaiah emphasizes the folly of trusting in human strength rather than the Holy One of Israel.
Isaiah 31:4–5 God's Protection of Jerusalem
Yahweh is depicted as a powerful protector, likened to a lion and birds, ready to defend His people. This imagery underlines God's sovereignty and commitment to Jerusalem.
Isaiah 31:6–7 Call to Repentance
Isaiah calls the Israelites to return to God, urging them to abandon their idols made with their own hands. This reflects the need for genuine repentance amidst their reliance on false gods.
Isaiah 31:8–9 Judgment Against the Assyrians
The chapter concludes with a prophecy of judgment against the Assyrian oppressors, emphasizing that their downfall will come not by human means. This reinforces God's control over the situation and His ultimate deliverance.
Key verses
Isaiah 31:1Isaiah 31:1 encapsulates the chapter's central warning against misplaced trust in human strength over reliance on God.
Main themes in Isaiah 31
Divine Sovereignty
Divine sovereignty is pronounced in verses 4-5, where God is depicted as a formidable protector of Jerusalem, offering reassurance to His people. The chapter unfolds by illustrating that despite the people's inclination to seek help from human sources, such as military alliances, God remains ultimately in control and will intervene decisively when necessary. This theme emphasizes that God's sovereign plans will triumph over any human efforts or opposition, instilling confidence in His unwavering purpose.
Trust in God
The theme of trust in God is introduced in verse 1, where the Israelites are admonished for relying on Egypt's military strength instead of turning to their Creator. Isaiah develops this theme by contrasting the futility of human alliances with the unmatched power and wisdom of God, who alone offers genuine protection. This chapter serves as a reminder for readers to evaluate their sources of trust, especially in challenging times, encouraging a deeper reliance on divine support.
Judgment and Deliverance
Judgment and deliverance are central to verses 8-9, where God's impending judgment on the Assyrians is declared. The chapter reveals that God will deliver His people by overcoming their enemies, establishing a pattern of divine justice. This theme assures readers of God's commitment to deliver those who turn back to Him.
Repentance
The call to repentance in verses 6-7 emphasizes the need for the Israelites to turn away from their idols and return to God. This highlights the relationship between repentance and divine mercy, suggesting that restoration is possible through genuine return to God. The chapter invites readers to reflect on their own need for repentance.
Explore repentance in the Bible →Cross-references
Passages that echo Isaiah 31
- Psalm 20Psalm 20 echoes the theme of seeking God’s help rather than relying on military strength in times of trouble.
- Isaiah 30Isaiah 30 connects with this chapter by warning against alliances with Egypt and stressing reliance on God.
- Isaiah 26Isaiah 26 develops the theme of trust in God, emphasizing His protection and faithfulness to His people.
- Exodus 14Exodus 14 illustrates God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt, reinforcing the theme of divine rescue against adversaries.
- Jeremiah 17Jeremiah 17 connects through the theme of trusting in God versus relying on human strength for security.
- Isaiah 37Isaiah 37 develops the narrative of God’s judgment against Assyria, paralleling the theme of divine intervention.
Study questions
Questions for studying Isaiah 31
- What specific military aid were the Israelites seeking from Egypt?
- How does Isaiah describe God's protection of Jerusalem?
- What idols does Isaiah urge the people to cast away?
- In what way does the chapter illustrate the concept of divine sovereignty?
- How does the imagery of the lion and birds contribute to the overall message?
- What might the call to repentance signify for the people of Israel?
- How does the prophecy against the Assyrians reflect God's power?
Isaiah 31: frequently asked questions
What is Isaiah 31 about?+
What is the key verse in Isaiah 31?+
What are the main themes of Isaiah 31?+
Related chapters