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Isaiah 31

9 verses

TL;DR

Isaiah 31 warns Israel against trusting Egypt and chariots, declares God’s judgment on the evildoers, and calls the people to return to Him for divine protection.

Summary

The chapter opens with a lament over Israel’s reliance on Egypt and its chariots, warning that such trust in earthly strength fails when God is ignored. Isaiah describes God as wise and unyielding, foretelling that both those who seek help and those who offer it will fall when His hand is stretched out. He then depicts God as a fearless lion who will defend Zion and Jerusalem against opposing forces, likening His protection to birds that safeguard the city. The prophet urges the people to turn back to Him, casting aside their silver and gold idols. The passage culminates with the predicted downfall of the Assyrian king by sword, followed by the trembling of his princes before God’s fire in Zion.

Outline
  1. Israel’s misplaced reliance on Egypt and chariots (verses 1‑3)
  2. God’s judgment and promise of protection (verses 4‑5)
  3. Call to repentance and the destruction of idolatry (verses 6‑9)
Themes
False security in worldly powersDivine judgment and deliveranceCall to repentance and turning to God
Keywords
WoeEgypthorseschariotsLordjudgmentlionbirdsidolsAssyriaswordfire
People
IsraelitesEgyptiansAssyriansLord (God)
Places
EgyptZionJerusalemIsrael
Things
horseschariotsidols of silver and goldswordlionbirdsfire
Key Verses
  • Isaiah 31:1: It sets the warning tone against trusting Egypt instead of God.
  • Isaiah 31:4: Illustrates God's fearless defense of Zion, portraying divine protection.
  • Isaiah 31:7: Highlights the call to cast off idols, a core exhortation of the chapter.
Questions
  • Why does Isaiah repeatedly warn against reliance on Egypt and chariots?
  • What does the lion and bird imagery reveal about God's nature and protection?
  • How does the passage connect Israel’s rebellion with the destruction of idols?
  • In what way does the predicted downfall of the Assyrian relate to Israel’s deliverance?
  • What lessons can modern readers draw about trusting divine help versus worldly power?
Sentiment

mixed
The chapter mixes stern warning and judgment with hopeful promise of God’s protection.