Isaiah 31 - Introduction

The Impossibility of Human Help: the Certainty of Divine Protection

The alliance with Egypt (now apparently consummated) is again the starting point of this fifth "Woe." As in ch. Isaiah 29:5-7, there is some uncertainty as to where the transition from denunciation to promise takes place; but the best division seems to be as follows:

i. Isa 31:1-4. The false confidence of the politicians in the strength of Egypt (1) is rebuked by an appeal to the infinite contrast between the wisdom and resources of the Almighty and all human craft and power (2, 3). In a very striking figure the prophet represents Jerusalem as the helpless prey in the grasp of Jehovah, and shews how impossible it is that any earthly power should intervene for its deliverance (4).

ii. Isa 31:5-9. Yet Jehovah will protect and spare Jerusalem (5). If Israel would but repent and turn to Him whom they have forsaken, Who alone is God, able to save them! (6, 7). The Assyrian shall be destroyed by Jehovah's personal intervention (8, 9).