1 Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!
2 Yet he also is wise, and will bring evil, and will not call back his words: but will arise against the house of the evildoers, and against the help of them that work iniquity.
3 Now the Egyptians are men, and not God; and their horses flesh, and not spirit. When the LORD shall stretch out his hand, both he that helpeth shall fall, and he that is holpen shall fall down, and they all shall fail together.
4 For thus hath the LORD spoken unto me, Like as the lion and the young lion roaring on his prey, when a multitude of shepherds is called forth against him, he will not be afraid of their voice, nor abase himself for the noise of them: so shall the LORD of hosts come down to fight for mount Zion, and for the hill thereof.
5 As birds flying, so will the LORD of hosts defend Jerusalem; defending also he will deliver it; and passing over he will preserve it.
6 Turn ye unto him from whom the children of Israel have deeply revolted.
7 For in that day every man shall cast away his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which your own hands have made unto you for a sin.
8 Then shall the Assyrian fall with the sword, not of a mighty man; and the sword, not of a mean man, shall devour him: but he shall flee from the sword, and his young men shall be discomfited.
9 And he shall pass over to his strong hold for fear, and his princes shall be afraid of the ensign, saith the LORD, whose fire is in Zion, and his furnace in Jerusalem.
Isaiah 31 is a profound chapter in the King James Version (KJV) of the Holy Bible that conveys significant spiritual messages. It offers a critique of human reliance on worldly powers and a reassurance of God's unfailing providence. This chapter, like the rest of the book of Isaiah, is rich in prophetic insight and spiritual wisdom, offering a timeless message about the nature of human folly and divine redemption.
Isaiah 31 begins with a stern warning against those who "go down to Egypt for help" (Isaiah 31:1). This is a metaphorical critique of those who seek security and salvation in worldly powers rather than in God. The Egyptians here symbolize any earthly power or resource that people might trust in rather than God. The prophet Isaiah warns that such reliance is futile and misguided. He points out that these earthly powers, represented by "horses" and "chariots" (Isaiah 31:1), are merely mortal and cannot compare to the divine power of God. This theme is a recurring one in the Bible, underscoring the futility of trusting in human strength and the necessity of trusting in God.
The chapter then shifts to a reassurance of God's unfailing providence. Despite the faithlessness of His people, God remains faithful. Isaiah uses the metaphor of a lion and a bird to illustrate God's protective nature. As a lion, God is not easily deterred, and as a bird, He hovers protectively over His people (Isaiah 31:4-5). These images underscore the strength and tenacity of God's love and protection for His people.
Isaiah also calls the people to return to God, highlighting the inevitability of divine judgement. The people are urged to reject their idols and turn back to God who is their true protector and redeemer (Isaiah 31:6-7). This call to repentance is a central theme in the prophetic books of the Bible, emphasizing the transformative power of divine grace when people turn from their sinful ways and return to God.
Isaiah 31 concludes with a promise of divine intervention. God assures His people that He will defend and deliver Jerusalem from its enemies (Isaiah 31:8-9). This assurance serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and His commitment to His people. It is a testament to God's power and a reassurance that those who trust in Him will not be put to shame.
Isaiah 31, like the rest of the book of Isaiah, offers valuable lessons for believers. First, it underscores the futility of relying on worldly powers for security and salvation. This reliance is not only misguided, but it also leads to disappointment and failure. The chapter encourages believers to place their trust in God, who is the only reliable source of protection and deliverance.
Second, the chapter reaffirms the steadfastness of God's love and protection. Despite the faithlessness of His people, God remains faithful. He is portrayed as a lion that is not easily deterred and a bird that hovers protectively over His people. These images serve as a reminder of God's unwavering commitment to His people.
Third, Isaiah 31 issues a call to repentance. It urges the people to turn away from their idols and return to God. This call is a reminder of the transformative power of divine grace. When people turn from their sinful ways and return to God, they experience His grace and mercy.
Finally, the chapter offers a promise of divine intervention. God assures His people that He will defend and deliver them from their enemies. This assurance is a testament to God's power and a reassurance that those who trust in Him will not be put to shame.
In conclusion, Isaiah 31 is a profound chapter that offers valuable insights into the nature of human folly and divine redemption. It critiques the human tendency to rely on worldly powers and reassures believers of God's unfailing providence. It also calls on people to return to God and promises divine intervention for those who trust in Him. As such, Isaiah 31 serves as a timeless spiritual guide for believers, offering a roadmap for faith and trust in God.
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