Bible Commentaries
Isaiah 31

Verses 1-3

ISAIAH - CHAPTER 31

A WARNING OF MISPLACED TRUST AND ASSURANCE OF ULTIMATE REDEMPTION

Vs. 31:1-3: A WOE REPEATED

1. Here is a woe concerning misplaced trust; it is in Egypt, horses, horsemen and chariots (in men and flesh), rather than in the LORD! (vs. 1, 3; Isaiah 2:6-7; Isaiah 30:16; contr. Isa Psalms 20:7; Psalms 33:17-21).

2. The Lord will rise up - both against "the house of evildoers" ( Judah, Isaiah 1:4; Isaiah 9:17) and the helper of their iniquity (Egypt); they shall fall together, (vs. 2, 3b; Isaiah 10:3; Isaiah 30:5; Isaiah 30:7; Jeremiah 37:7-10; comp. Matthew 15:14).

3. No one, therefore, can afford to put his trust in anyone, or anything, but in the true and living God! (Isaiah 26:4, Acts 4:12).

JEHOVAH REDEEMS HIS PEOPLE AND REIGNS GLORIOUSLY FROM MT ZION, (31:4-33:34)

Verses 4-5

Vs. 4-5: THE FAITHFUL LORD WILL DELIVER HIS PEOPLE

1. The prophets repeatedly speak of God’s love and care for Mt Zion - the place of His "memorial name", and the very throne-room of His kingdom, (Exodus 3:15; Psalms 30:4; Psalms 102:12; Psalms 132:13-16; Isaiah 6:1-5; Isaiah 14:32; Isaiah 28:16; etc.).

2. Isaiah here uses two illustrative figures of the Lord’s faithful, fearless defense of His beloved people and city.

a. First, He is likened unto a lion, the King of beasts, (vs. 4).

1) Though a host of shepherds come out against him, with shouts and noise, He is not terrified; but stands boldly and roars in defense of his prey.

2) So, the Lord of hosts will come down to fight upon, and in defense of, Mt Zion - His holy hill, (Isaiah 42:13; Hosea 11:10; Joel 3:16; Amos 1:2; Amos 3:8).

3) After all, he is "the Lion of the tribe of Judah": (Revelation 5:5; cf. Genesis 49:9-10).

b. Again, the Lord is likened unto hovering birds who flutter their wings in defense of their young, (vs. 5; Deuteronomy 32:11; Psalms 91:1; Psalms 91:4; Zechariah 12:8) - protecting, delivering and. preserving the Holy City, (Isaiah 37:35; Isaiah 38:6; Isaiah 41:11-14).

Verses 5-9

Vs. 5-9: THE OBJECTS OF SUCH GRACE SHOULD TRUST THEIR FAITHFUL LORD

1. The power, love and faithfullness of Jehovah should be sufficient incentive to turn the hearts of this rebellious people back to Him again, (vs. 6; Ezekiel 16:62-63; Hosea 6:1).

2. In the day of their extremity (being crushed by the one on whom they have leaned), they will cast away their idols and seek the Lord sincerely, (vs. 7; Isaiah 2:20; Isaiah 30:22; Zechariah 12:9-14; Zechariah 13:1-2).

3. The Assyrians will fall by a sword that is not of man, but divine - their young men being made slaves, (vs. 8; 2 Kings 19:35-36).

4. The rock in which the Assyrian trusted will have proved unworthy - providing no defense before the banner of Jehovah "whose fire is in Zion, and his furnace in Jerusalem", (vs. 9; Deuteronomy 32:31; Deuteronomy 32:37; Isaiah 10:16-17; Isaiah 30:33; Isaiah 66:15-16).

5. But, one misses the main throughst of this prophecy if he fails to see in it the ultimate destruction of Anti-christ and his hosts - the Assyrian being a mere shadow of the "king of fierce countenance" who is yet to afflict the people of God, (Daniel 8:23).