Isaiah 31
BSB1 Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in their abundance of chariots and in their multitude of horsemen. They do not look to the Holy One of Israel; they do not seek the LORD. 2 Yet He too is wise and brings disaster; He does not call back His words. He will rise up against the house of the wicked and against the allies of evildoers. 3 But the Egyptians are men, not God; their horses are flesh, not spirit. When the LORD stretches out His hand, the helper will stumble, and the one he helps will fall; both will perish together. 4 For this is what the LORD has said to me: “Like a lion roaring or a young lion over its prey— and though a band of shepherds is called out against it, it is not terrified by their shouting or subdued by their clamor— so the LORD of Hosts will come down to do battle on Mount Zion and its heights. 5 Like birds hovering overhead, so the LORD of Hosts will protect Jerusalem. He will shield it and deliver it; He will pass over it and preserve it." 6 Return to the One against whom you have so blatantly rebelled, O children of Israel. 7 For on that day, every one of you will reject the idols of silver and gold that your own hands have sinfully made. 8 “Then Assyria will fall, but not by the sword of man; a sword will devour them, but not one made by mortals. They will flee before the sword, and their young men will be put to forced labor. 9 Their rock will pass away for fear, and their princes will panic at the sight of the battle standard,” declares the LORD, whose fire is in Zion, whose furnace is in Jerusalem.
Study Notes — Isaiah 31
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Isaiah 31
- Themes from Isaiah 31
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Isaiah 31
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Isaiah chapter 31 begins with a warning against looking to Egypt for help, stating that those who do so will be ashamed (Isaiah 31:1-3). The chapter then emphasizes the importance of trusting in God, who will protect and deliver His people (Isaiah 31:4-5). The prophet also warns against the futility of human strength and the dangers of idolatry (Isaiah 31:6-9). The chapter concludes with a promise of God's deliverance and a call to trust in Him (Isaiah 31:10). Throughout the chapter, Isaiah emphasizes the importance of trusting in God rather than in human strength or alliances.
Context for the Chapter
Isaiah chapter 31 is part of a larger section of the book of Isaiah that emphasizes the importance of trusting in God rather than in human strength or alliances. The chapter is addressed to the people of Judah, who were facing the threat of Assyrian invasion and were tempted to look to Egypt for help. The chapter is also part of the larger biblical narrative, which emphasizes the importance of trusting in God and seeking His wisdom and power.
Heart Application
This chapter applies to our lives today by reminding us of the importance of trusting in God rather than in human strength or alliances. We are often tempted to trust in our own abilities or in the things of this world, but the Bible teaches us to trust in Christ, who is our Rock and our Redeemer. By trusting in Him, we can have confidence and peace, even in the midst of uncertainty and chaos.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter teaches us to trust in God rather than in human strength or alliances. We are reminded that God is our Rock and our Redeemer, and that He will deliver and protect us if we trust in Him. As Isaiah 31:4-5 says, "For thus says the Lord to me, 'As a lion or a young lion growls over his prey, and when a band of shepherds is called out against him, he will not be terrified by their voices or disturbed by their noise, so the Lord of hosts will come down to fight upon Mount Zion and upon its hill.'"
Voices from the Church
“The greatest trust is to trust in the Lord, for He is the only one who can truly deliver and protect us.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“We must not trust in human strength or alliances, for they are fleeting and uncertain. Instead, we must trust in God, who is the only one who can truly save us.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Warning Against Trusting in Egypt (Isaiah 31:1-3) — The chapter begins with a warning against looking to Egypt for help, stating that those who do so will be ashamed.
- The Importance of Trusting in God (Isaiah 31:4-5) — The chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God, who will protect and deliver His people.
- The Futility of Human Strength (Isaiah 31:6-9) — The chapter warns against the futility of human strength and the dangers of trusting in it.
- The Dangers of Idolatry (Isaiah 31:6-9) — The chapter warns against the dangers of idolatry, emphasizing the importance of seeking the Lord and trusting in Him alone.
- Promise of God's Deliverance (Isaiah 31:10) — The chapter concludes with a promise of God's deliverance and a call to trust in Him.
Core Doctrines
- Sovereignty of God
- This chapter teaches us about the sovereignty of God, emphasizing His power and wisdom in delivering and protecting His people.
- Trust in God
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God rather than in human strength or alliances, teaching us to seek Him and trust in His power and wisdom.
- Futility of Human Strength
- The chapter warns against the futility of human strength, emphasizing the limitations of human power and the dangers of trusting in it.
- Dangers of Idolatry
- The chapter warns against the dangers of idolatry, emphasizing the importance of seeking the Lord and trusting in Him alone.
Lessons from Isaiah 31
- Lesson 1: Trust in God — The chapter teaches us to trust in God rather than in human strength or alliances, reminding us that He is our Rock and our Redeemer.
- Lesson 2: The Futility of Human Strength — The chapter warns against the futility of human strength, emphasizing the limitations of human power and the dangers of trusting in it.
- Lesson 3: The Dangers of Idolatry — The chapter warns against the dangers of idolatry, emphasizing the importance of seeking the Lord and trusting in Him alone.
- Lesson 4: The Importance of Seeking God — The chapter emphasizes the importance of seeking the Lord and trusting in Him, reminding us that He is the only one who can truly deliver and protect us.
- Lesson 5: The Promise of God's Deliverance — The chapter concludes with a promise of God's deliverance, reminding us that He will protect and deliver His people if we trust in Him.
Themes from Isaiah 31
- Theme 1: Trust in God — The chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God rather than in human strength or alliances, reminding us that He is our Rock and our Redeemer.
- Theme 2: The Futility of Human Strength — The chapter warns against the futility of human strength, emphasizing the limitations of human power and the dangers of trusting in it.
- Theme 3: The Dangers of Idolatry — The chapter warns against the dangers of idolatry, emphasizing the importance of seeking the Lord and trusting in Him alone.
- Theme 4: The Importance of Seeking God — The chapter emphasizes the importance of seeking the Lord and trusting in Him, reminding us that He is the only one who can truly deliver and protect us.
- Theme 5: The Promise of God's Deliverance — The chapter concludes with a promise of God's deliverance, reminding us that He will protect and deliver His people if we trust in Him.
Questions for Meditation
- What are some ways that we are tempted to trust in human strength or alliances rather than in God?
- How can we cultivate a deeper trust in God, especially in times of uncertainty and chaos?
- What are some examples of how God has delivered and protected His people in the past, and how can these examples encourage us to trust in Him today?
- How can we avoid the dangers of idolatry and instead seek the Lord and trust in Him alone?
- What are some practical ways that we can apply the principles of this chapter to our lives today?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Warning Against Trusting in Egypt (Isaiah 31:1-3)
| Isaiah 31:1 | The chapter begins with a warning against looking to Egypt for help, stating that those who do so will be ashamed. |
| Isaiah 31:2 | The warning is repeated, emphasizing the futility of trusting in human strength or alliances. |
| Isaiah 31:3 | The verse concludes the warning, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God rather than in human strength or alliances. |
2. The Importance of Trusting in God (Isaiah 31:4-5)
| Isaiah 31:4 | The chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God, who will protect and deliver His people. |
| Isaiah 31:5 | The verse concludes the emphasis, reminding us that God is our Rock and our Redeemer. |
3. The Futility of Human Strength (Isaiah 31:6-9)
| Isaiah 31:6 | The chapter warns against the futility of human strength, emphasizing the limitations of human power. |
| Isaiah 31:7 | The warning is repeated, emphasizing the dangers of trusting in human strength or alliances. |
| Isaiah 31:8 | The verse concludes the warning, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God rather than in human strength or alliances. |
| Isaiah 31:9 | The chapter concludes the section, emphasizing the importance of seeking the Lord and trusting in Him alone. |
4. Promise of God's Deliverance (Isaiah 31:10)
| Isaiah 31:10 | The chapter concludes with a promise of God's deliverance, reminding us that He will protect and deliver His people if we trust in Him. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Isaiah 31?
The main theme of Isaiah 31 is the importance of trusting in God rather than in human strength or alliances. As Isaiah 31:1 says, "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 do not look to the Holy One of Israel, nor seek the Lord!"
What is the significance of Egypt in this chapter?
Egypt represents the world and its systems, which can be tempting to trust in, but are ultimately futile and untrustworthy. As Isaiah 31:3 says, "The Egyptians are men, not God, and their horses are flesh, not spirit."
How can we apply the principles of this chapter to our lives today?
We can apply the principles of this chapter by trusting in God rather than in human strength or alliances, and by seeking the Lord and trusting in Him alone. As Isaiah 31:5 says, "For thus says the Lord to me, 'As a lion or a young lion growls over his prey, and when a band of shepherds is called out against him, he will not be terrified by their voices or disturbed by their noise, so the Lord of hosts will come down to fight upon Mount Zion and upon its hill.'"
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 31:1 → Psalm 20:7 | Both passages warn against trusting in human strength or alliances, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God. |
| 2 | Isaiah 31:4 → Psalm 46:1 | Both passages emphasize the importance of trusting in God, who is our Rock and our Redeemer. |
| 3 | Isaiah 31:5 → Matthew 1:21 | Both passages remind us that God is our Savior, who will deliver and protect us if we trust in Him. |
| 4 | Isaiah 31:6 → 1 Corinthians 10:12 | Both passages warn against the dangers of idolatry, emphasizing the importance of seeking the Lord and trusting in Him alone. |
| 5 | Isaiah 31:7 → Hebrews 11:6 | Both passages emphasize the importance of faith, reminding us that without faith it is impossible to please God. |
| 6 | Isaiah 31:8 → 2 Kings 18:21 | Both passages warn against the futility of human strength, emphasizing the limitations of human power and the dangers of trusting in it. |
| 7 | Isaiah 31:9 → Jeremiah 17:5 | Both passages warn against the dangers of idolatry, emphasizing the importance of seeking the Lord and trusting in Him alone. |
| 8 | Isaiah 31:10 → Romans 11:26 | Both passages remind us that God will deliver and protect His people if we trust in Him, emphasizing the importance of seeking the Lord and trusting in Him alone. |
| 9 | Isaiah 31:1-3 → Isaiah 30:1-5 | Both passages warn against the dangers of trusting in human strength or alliances, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God. |
| 10 | Isaiah 31:4-5 → Psalm 37:3-7 | Both passages emphasize the importance of trusting in God, who is our Rock and our Redeemer, and remind us to seek the Lord and trust in Him alone. |
Sermons on Isaiah 31
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Word in a Recession by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of placing our confidence solely in God, rather than in worldly possessions or external factors. He warns against being foole |
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Voices From Hell Speaking to America - Part 3 by Alan Cairns | This sermon delves into the prophetic lamentation of the impending destruction of Pharaoh, his armies, and the great Egyptian nation, challenging the false hope placed in Egypt's m |
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Glimpses of the Future - Part 5 by Derek Prince | This sermon delves into the prophetic Scriptures concerning Jesus, emphasizing how every aspect of His life fulfilled the prophecies, showcasing His submission to the authority of |
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(The Word for Today) Isaiah 31:1 - Part 1 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the situation in which the people of Jerusalem find themselves. The Assyrian army, known for their cruelty, is conquering cities and mo |
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(The Word for Today) Isaiah 31:9 - Part 2 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the blessings and prosperity that come from living a righteous life. He emphasizes the importance of sowing seeds in well-watered areas |
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Trusting God in Stead of Man by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher begins by praying for the words spoken to be transformed from water into wine, symbolizing a powerful and impactful message. The preacher then discusse |
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Look to God and Not to Egypt by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of trusting in God rather than relying on worldly wealth and success. He shares a story about a visit from an older person who |
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There's a Lion in the Streets by Jack Hyles | In this sermon, the speaker shares personal anecdotes and encourages listeners to overcome obstacles in their spiritual journey. He emphasizes the importance of taking action and n |
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The Spirit of Egypt - Part 1 by Joshua Daniel | This sermon reflects on a time of imminent danger during the Japanese invasion of Madras, where the speaker's father used the opportunity to preach the gospel. It emphasizes seekin |
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God's Protective Power by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes God's protective power, using the imagery of birds to illustrate how God defends and delivers His people, much like a mother hen protects her chicks. He |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Isaiah 31
According to Matthew Henry, Isaiah 31 teaches us to trust in God rather than in human strength or alliances. The chapter warns against the dangers of idolatry and emphasizes the importance of seeking the Lord and trusting in Him alone. As Henry notes, 'Those who trust in God shall not be ashamed, for He will deliver and protect them.' The chapter also reminds us that God is our Rock and our Redeemer, and that He will fight for us if we trust in Him. As Isaiah 31:4-5 says, 'For thus says the Lord to me, 'As a lion or a young lion growls over his prey, and when a band of shepherds is called out against him, he will not be terrified by their voices or disturbed by their noise, so the Lord of hosts will come down to fight upon Mount Zion and upon its hill.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Futility of Human Strength
The chapter emphasizes the futility of human strength and the dangers of trusting in it. This is seen in the warnings against looking to Egypt for help and in the descriptions of the limitations of human power.
The Importance of Trusting in God
The chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God, who is the only one who can truly deliver and protect us. This is seen in the promises of God's deliverance and in the warnings against trusting in human strength or alliances.
The Dangers of Idolatry
The chapter warns against the dangers of idolatry, emphasizing the importance of seeking the Lord and trusting in Him alone. This is seen in the descriptions of the futility of human strength and in the promises of God's deliverance.