Isaiah 31:1

ΒΆ Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because [they are] many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!

Woe {H1945} to them that go down {H3381} to Egypt {H4714} for help {H5833}; and stay {H8172} on horses {H5483}, and trust {H982} in chariots {H7393}, because they are many {H7227}; and in horsemen {H6571}, because they are very {H3966} strong {H6105}; but they look {H8159} not unto the Holy One {H6918} of Israel {H3478}, neither seek {H1875} the LORD {H3068}!

Woe to those going down to Egypt expecting help - relying on horses; trusting in chariots, because they have many, and in the strength of their cavalrymen - but not looking to the Holy One of Isra'el, not consulting ADONAI.

Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in their abundance of chariots and in their multitude of horsemen. They do not look to the Holy One of Israel; they do not seek the LORD.

Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help, and rely on horses, and trust in chariots because they are many, and in horsemen because they are very strong, but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek Jehovah!

Commentary

Isaiah 31:1 (KJV)

ΒΆ Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because [they are] many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!

Context

This verse is part of a series of oracles in Isaiah directed towards Judah during a time of significant political turmoil. The Assyrian Empire was a dominant power, threatening the smaller nations, including the Kingdom of Judah. Faced with this formidable enemy, some in Judah sought to form alliances with other regional powers, particularly Egypt, known for its military strength, especially its cavalry and chariots. Isaiah, speaking for God, strongly condemns this strategy, viewing it as a lack of faith and a reliance on human power rather than divine protection. This prophecy likely occurred during the reign of King Hezekiah, prior to the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem.

Key Themes

  • Misplaced Trust: The central theme is the danger and futility of trusting in human strength and worldly resources (Egypt's military might) instead of God.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: The "woe" pronounced signifies divine judgment or sorrow resulting from this lack of faith.
  • Reliance on Worldly Power: Specifically calls out trust in "horses" and "chariots," symbols of military technology and strength in that era.
  • Ignoring God: Highlights the failure to "look unto the Holy One of Israel" and "seek the LORD" as the root cause of their misguided strategy.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "trust" used here is batach (Χ‘ΦΈΦΌΧ˜Φ·Χ—), which implies a strong sense of confidence, reliance, or security placed in something or someone. The phrase "Holy One of Israel" is a title frequently used by Isaiah to emphasize God's unique holiness, covenant relationship with Israel, and absolute trustworthiness, contrasting Him with unreliable human allies and idols.

Commentary

Isaiah 31:1 delivers a stark warning against the temptation to rely on human alliances and military might when facing overwhelming challenges. The leaders in Jerusalem were considering or actively pursuing a treaty with Egypt, believing that Egypt's large army, particularly its renowned chariots and horsemen, could provide the necessary defense against the Assyrians. The prophet declares "woe" upon them for this decision, identifying their error not just as a political misstep, but as a profound spiritual failure.

Their trust was placed firmly in the visible, tangible strength of Egypt's military ("because they are many," "because they are very strong"), rather than in the invisible, yet infinitely greater power of God. The core indictment is that they "look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!" This verse echoes the warning found in Isaiah 30:1-5 against making alliances with Egypt. The emphasis on "horses" and "chariots" serves as a specific example of relying on worldly strength, contrasting with the principle found in Psalm 20:7: "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God."

Practical Application

The message of Isaiah 31:1 is timeless. In our modern world, "horses and chariots" can represent wealth, technology, political connections, human intellect, or any other resource we might be tempted to rely on more than God. When faced with challenges – financial, professional, personal, or national – the temptation is to immediately turn to human solutions and resources. This verse reminds us that while using wisdom and available means is not inherently wrong, placing our ultimate trust and confidence in these things while neglecting to seek God is a path leading to "woe." It calls us to examine where our true security lies and to prioritize seeking God's guidance and help above all else.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 20:7 (17 votes)

    Some [trust] in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.

  • Jeremiah 17:5 (15 votes)

    ΒΆ Thus saith the LORD; Cursed [be] the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.

  • Deuteronomy 17:16 (13 votes)

    But he shall not multiply horses to himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt, to the end that he should multiply horses: forasmuch as the LORD hath said unto you, Ye shall henceforth return no more that way.

  • Isaiah 36:9 (9 votes)

    How then wilt thou turn away the face of one captain of the least of my master's servants, and put thy trust on Egypt for chariots and for horsemen?

  • Jeremiah 2:13 (9 votes)

    For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, [and] hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.

  • Daniel 9:13 (9 votes)

    As [it is] written in the law of Moses, all this evil is come upon us: yet made we not our prayer before the LORD our God, that we might turn from our iniquities, and understand thy truth.

  • Isaiah 30:16 (9 votes)

    But ye said, No; for we will flee upon horses; therefore shall ye flee: and, We will ride upon the swift; therefore shall they that pursue you be swift.