Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary

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)

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).

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).