Isaiah 31: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Isaiah 31 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Woe is pronounced on those who seek help from Egypt, relying on horses and chariots instead of looking to the Holy One of Israel (vv. 1-3). Yahweh, wise and powerful, will act against evildoers and their help, ensuring that those relying on Egypt will stumble and fall.

Key verse

“Woe 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!”
Isaiah 31:1 (WEB)

Outline

Isaiah 31:1–3 Woe to Those Seeking Egypt's Help
Isaiah 31:4–5 God's Protection of Jerusalem
Isaiah 31:6–7 Call to Repentance
Isaiah 31:8–9 Judgment Against the Assyrians

Discussion questions

In v1, who are the people relying on for help instead of seeking Yahweh?
What does Yahweh compare himself to in v4 when defending Jerusalem?
In v6, what does it mean for the children of Israel to 'return' to God after revolting?
In v8, why is it noted that the Assyrian will fall 'not of man'?
When have you relied on your own strength instead of turning to Yahweh for help?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Isaiah 31: Psalm 20, Isaiah 30, Isaiah 26.

Before next time: read Isaiah 32.