Deliverance From Israel’s Enemy

Isaiah 31:1–9
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This fifth “woe” is a brief summary of what Isaiah had already told the people.  Their faith was in men and not in God (vv. 1-3). They trusted in “horses” and “chariots” and not in the hand of the Lord. God had warned the Jewish kings not to go to Egypt for horses or chariots (Deut. 17:14-16), but Solomon ignored this warning (I Kings 10:28-29). This was both unbelief and disobedience.

It was wrong for Judah to look to other nations for military help. They sought protection from those who had far less power than God. They were concerned with their own interests instead of God’s and thus they did not even consult Him. God assured the people that His greatness would protect them from the Assyrians (vv 4-5). He promised to do battle on Mount Zion (v. 4), and like birds flying overhead, He would shield Jerusalem and not let it fall into the enemy’s hands (v. 5).

Because the Lord promised to protect Judah the people are called to return to Him and reject their idolatry (vv. 6-7). Think of the money they would have saved and the distress they would have avoided had they only trusted in the Lord and obeyed Him. An amazing prediction is made that the invading Assyrian army would not fall by the sword but would flee from the sword (vv. 8-9). Therefore, the prophet calls on the people to repent. This is the very heart of Isaiah’s message. If there is any hope for her future, it is in turning again to God.

Application

It has been said that “Faith is living without scheming.” That is what Isaiah was saying to Judah and Jerusalem; and that is what He is saying to me today. Is my life made up of trusting or scheming?