Isaiah 31 - Introduction

The prophet sheweth the extreme folly of trusting to Egypt, and forsaking God: he exhorteth to conversion: he sheweth the fall of Assyria.

Before Christ 713.

THIS and the following chapter, which are very improperly divided in our English Bible, contain the second part of the third section of this discourse, and are nearly of the same argument with that preceding. They may be properly divided into two reproofs, to which are added consolatory promises. The first reproof respects the Ephraimites, and contains a minatory proposition concerning the folly of seeking aid from Egypt; Isaiah 31:1 and the reasons of that proposition: first, from the comparison of the divine perfection, power, wisdom, with the similar attributes of the Egyptians: Isaiah 31:2. Secondly, by opposition, that is, from the effect of placing confidence in God, a remarkable example whereof should be given in the singular defence and protection which God would procure for the Jews, reduced by the Assyrians to great straits; which benefit is described, Isaiah 31:4 with its adjuncts, particularly repentance, Isaiah 31:6 the fall of the Assyrian, Isaiah 31:8 and its consequence,—the just and glorious reign of a pious king, chap. Isaiah 32:1 and the conversion of many from inconsideration and wickedness to a serious regard for the ways and works of God: Isaiah 32:3. The second reproof, with the consolation, is also two-fold. The reproof consists of two articles, prophetically denouncing a double calamity: the first, that Assyrian calamity, Isaiah 32:9 the second the Babylonish, Isaiah 32:11. The consolatory part exhibits various blessings to be conferred upon the church after the affliction of those times; among which the radical and causal one is the effusion of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, Isaiah 32:15. Its consequences, the conversion of the Gentiles:—middle of Isaiah 32:15. Spiritual righteousness and peace: Isaiah 32:17. The security of the church under the divine protection:—middle of Isaiah 32:17. The judgments of God upon the enemies of the church: Isaiah 32:19 and the care of the rulers and teachers of the people of God, in diligently promoting the work of grace: Isaiah 32:20.