Isaiah 31
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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.
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