Isaiah 31 - Meaning, Themes & Application

" 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! "

Isaiah 31:1 warns people who run to human strength instead of God. Israel trusted Egypt’s army, not the Lord. Today, it speaks to anyone who …

" 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. "

Isaiah 31:2 means God is wise and keeps His word, both in blessing and in judgment. He will confront people and systems that do wrong …

" 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. "

Isaiah 31:3 means human help is limited and will ultimately fail, but God’s power does not. Israel trusted Egypt’s army instead of trusting God. In …

" 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 "

Isaiah 31:4 means God defends His people as fearlessly as a lion guarding its prey. No enemy, group, or loud threat can scare Him off. …

" As birds flying, so will the LORD of hosts defend Jerusalem; defending also he will deliver it; and passing over he will preserve "

Isaiah 31:5 means God protects His people like birds hovering over their nest—watchful, close, and ready to act. He promises not just to defend but …

" Turn ye unto him from whom the children of Israel have deeply revolted. "

Isaiah 31:6 means God is calling people who have wandered far from Him to come back. Israel had trusted in other nations instead of God. …

" 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. "

Isaiah 31:7 means that a time is coming when people will finally reject the false “gods” they’ve trusted instead of God. It calls us to …

" 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. "

" 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 31:9 means powerful people who oppose God will panic and run, realizing their defenses can’t save them. God’s presence in Jerusalem is like a …