Daily Devotions
Isaiah
"The Egyptians are men, and not God"
Text: Isaiah 31:3
A PRONOUNCEMENT OF WOE
Israel chose to place their trust in Egypt rather than in the LORD. The threat from invasion by Assyria was drawing ever nearer. Many believed that Egypt would be strong enough to resist the might of the Assyrians. A word of Woe was pronounced against Israel for their misplaced trust!
“Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help,
And rely on horses,
Who trust in chariots because they are many,
And in horsemen because they are very strong,
But who do not look to the Holy One of Israel,
Nor seek the LORD!
Yet He also is wise and will bring disaster,
And will not call back His words,
But will arise against the house of evildoers,
And against the help of those who work iniquity.
Now the Egyptians are men, and not God;
And their horses are flesh, and not spirit.
When the LORD stretches out His hand,
Both he who helps will fall,
And he who is helped will fall down;
They all will perish together.”
Isaiah 31:1-3
1. The misplaced trust in Egypt.
a) Israel went down to Egypt to seek help.
b) The people believed in the strength of Egypt’s army.
i) Egypt was famous for its army of chariots.
ii) The Cavalry of skilled horsemen were greatly admired.
2. There was no trust:
a) In the LORD.
b) In the Holy One of Israel.
3. Israel had forgotten their God.
a) That He is all-wise (omniscient).
b) That He is almighty (omnipotent).
i) He will bring disaster.
ii) He will not recall His word.
c) That He can and will judge Israel:
i) Against the house of evildoers (possibly a reference to the royal family).
ii) Against all who help those who do evil (all who supported the king).
iii) All of these people had determined to seek the help of Egypt rather than God.
4. A candid assessment of the Egyptians.
a) They are mere men and not God.
b) Their horses are of mortal flesh and not spirit.
5. God will rise up against both Egypt and Israel.
a) The LORD will stretch out His hand.
b) He who helps (Egypt) will fall.
c) He who is helped (Israel) will also fall.
d) Both Egypt and Israel will perish at the hands of the Assyrians.