Isaiah 31:1

Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help

The abundance of horses in Egypt

The abundance of horses in Egypt is attested, not only in other parts of Scripture, but by profane writers.

Homer describes Thebes as having a hundred gates, out of each of which two hundred warriors went forth with chariots and horses. Diodorns speaks of the whole country between Thebes and Memphis as filled with royal stables. The horses of Solomon are expressly said to have been brought out of Egypt. This kind of military force was more highly valued, in comparison with infantry, by the ancients than the moderns, and especially by those who, like the Hebrews, were almost entirely deprived of it themselves. Hence their reliance upon foreign aid is frequently identified with confidence in horses and contrasted with simple trust in God (Psalms 20:7). (J. A. Alexander.)

Seeking God:

To “seek Jehovah” is not merely to consult Him, but to seek His aid, resort to Him, implying the strongest confidence. (J. A. Alexander.)

Looking

I want you to remember how much often depends in life on a straight and steady “look.” A few weeks ago there was a great rehearsal of Sunday-school choirs. All the children were assembled in a vast building, and away in front of them stood a man holding a little stick in his hand. And he said a few words to them. “To succeed,” said he, “you must keep your eyes on me and watch the movements of my hand.” Every now and then part of the choir went wrong in the time; they had taken their eyes off the conductor; they were not steadily, earnestly, intelligently looking to him. (C. Silvester Horne, M. A.)

Unholy alliances

I. THE UNHOLY ALLIANCE which the Jewish people formed with Egypt. God had promised to be their Protector; He had also prohibited alliances with heathen nations (Exodus 23:32; Deuteronomy 7:2). This alliance with Egypt was a violation of this command.

1. This unholy alliance is an old sin. They could see and feel the horses and chariots of Egypt. They allowed their senses to be their sovereigns, instead of making them their servants. Has not this been the ruin of the race? Fleshly lusts “war against the soul.” History is crowded with examples. Eve in Eden; Esau; the Israelites in the wilderness; David.

2. This unholy alliance is marked by peculiar features.

(1) It was a wretched choice. “Egypt.” What good thing had Egypt ever done for them? Not one. Yet they chose Egypt in preference to God.

(2) They were influenced by sensuous motives. They were carried away by the strength of the horses and the beauty of the chariots of Egypt.

(3) It led them to reject God.

3. This unholy alliance incurred severe punishment. “Woe,” &c. Sin leads to punishment. The safety of a nation does not consist in the strength of her army, nor in the extent of her commerce, but in her loyalty to God Proverbs 14:34; Isaiah 60:12).

II. This unholy alliance is COMMON IN THE PRESENT DAY. This unholy alliance is formed--

1. When relief is looked for from wrong sources in the day of trouble. God is a refuge and helper to all true souls in trouble who trust in Him. Yet how common it is for many in the day of trouble to enter into a league with sin and make a covenant with death! A woe follows such, and sooner or later will overtake them.

2. When happiness is sought in wrong paths. True happiness is obtained when our will is brought into harmony with God’s will. Many look for it in other directions. E.g., the miser, the sensuous, the ambitious, the worldling.

3. When salvation is expected in any other way than through Christ.

4. When unworthy means are employed to spread the Gospel. Conclusion:--True loyalty to God will bring safety, happiness, heaven. Horses may bestrong, numerous, and swift; but they shall die and be forgotten. Chariots shall become lighter than dust; but they who do the will of God abide for ever. “Some trust in chariots,” &c. (J. Wileman.)