Isaiah 31:2

KJV

Yet he also [is] wise, and will bring evil, and will not call back his words: but will arise against the house of the evildoers, and against the help of them that work iniquity.

KJV (with Strong's)

Yet he also is wise {H2450}, and will bring {H935} evil {H7451}, and will not call back {H5493} his words {H1697}: but will arise {H6965} against the house {H1004} of the evildoers {H7489}, and against the help {H5833} of them that work {H6466} iniquity {H205}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But he too is wise and can bring disaster, and he does not take back his words; he will rise against the house of evildoers and against the help of those who do wrong.

Berean Standard Bible

Yet He too is wise and brings disaster; He does not call back His words. He will rise up against the house of the wicked and against the allies of evildoers.

American Standard Version

Yet he also is wise, and will bring evil, and will not call back his words, but will arise against the house of the evil-doers, and against the help of them that work iniquity.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 31:2 stands as a profound declaration of Yahweh's unassailable wisdom and His unwavering resolve to execute His declared judgments against those who persist in wickedness and rely on human strength rather than divine provision. In stark contrast to Judah's misguided trust in alliances with Egypt, the prophet underscores God's absolute sovereignty and power to bring about calamity as a just consequence for disobedience, affirming that His pronouncements are irreversible and His divine justice will prevail against all forms of iniquity and the false securities people construct for themselves.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into Isaiah's series of prophetic warnings to the kingdom of Judah, specifically addressing their ill-advised alliance with Egypt in the face of the Assyrian threat. Chapters 28-31 collectively form a sequence of "woes" pronounced upon various manifestations of unfaithfulness and misplaced trust. Immediately preceding this verse, [Isaiah 31:1](/isaiah/31-1 "Isaiah 31:1 - Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help") condemns Judah's reliance on Egyptian chariots and horses, highlighting the futility of seeking human military aid over divine protection. Following this, [Isaiah 31:3](/isaiah/31-3 "Isaiah 31:3 - Egyptians are men, not God") further emphasizes the impotence of human alliances by contrasting the weakness of "flesh" with the omnipotence of God. The broader narrative of [Isaiah 30-31](/isaiah/30 "Isaiah 30-31 - Warnings Against Egyptian Alliance") consistently presents God's earnest desire for Judah to return to Him in repentance and trust, promising His protection if they comply, yet warning of inevitable and severe judgment if they persist in their rebellion and reliance on foreign powers.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Isaiah 31:2 is the turbulent late 8th century BCE, a period dominated by the menacing expansion of the Neo-Assyrian Empire. Having already subjugated the Northern Kingdom of Israel in 722 BCE, Assyria posed an imminent threat to Judah, then under the reign of King Hezekiah. In a desperate attempt to safeguard their sovereignty, Judah sought a military pact with Egypt, a renowned regional power celebrated for its formidable cavalry. This strategic maneuver, however, constituted a direct affront to God's covenant commands, which explicitly forbade His people from forming alliances with foreign nations, particularly those that entailed the adoption of idolatrous practices. While seeking powerful allies for protection was a common cultural practice among nations of that era, for God's covenant people, it represented a profound and dangerous departure from their foundational trust in their divine Protector and King.
* **Key Themes:** [Isaiah 31:2](/isaiah/31-2 "Isaiah 31:2 - God's Unwavering Wisdom and Judgment") makes a substantial contribution to several pivotal themes running through the book of Isaiah. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Wisdom**, asserting that God's plans are infinitely superior to any human scheme and cannot be thwarted. His wisdom is not merely an intellectual attribute but an active, executive force that orchestrates the course of history and determines the fate of nations. Secondly, the verse emphasizes the **Immutability of God's Word and Purpose**. What God declares, He unfailingly performs; His "words" are not empty threats but unchangeable decrees, highlighting His faithfulness to His own character and His commitment to justice, a truth powerfully echoed in [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is not a man, that He should lie"). Thirdly, it articulates the theme of **Divine Judgment Against Idolatry and Iniquity**. The "evil" God brings is not moral evil but punitive calamity, a just and divinely ordained consequence for the "evildoers" and "them that work iniquity" who reject His covenant and foolishly rely on false saviors. This judgment is an essential outworking of God's holiness and righteousness, ensuring that justice prevails and that His people ultimately learn to place their exclusive trust in Him, as seen in the broader prophetic warnings against trusting in human strength found in [Jeremiah 17:5-8](/jeremiah/17-5 "Jeremiah 17:5-8 - Cursed is the one who trusts in man").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wise (Hebrew, _châkâm'_):** From H2450, meaning "intelligent, skillful or artful." In the context of God, this refers to His supreme and perfect understanding, His profound strategic insight, and His unparalleled ability to execute His plans with absolute precision and effectiveness. It stands in stark contrast to the folly of human wisdom and the misguided strategies of Judah. God's wisdom here is not merely theoretical but is active and effective in bringing about His sovereign will, including His judgments.
* **Words (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697, meaning "a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing." This comprehensive term encompasses all of God's decrees, pronouncements, promises, and threats. The phrase "will not call back his words" profoundly emphasizes the unchangeable and irrevocable nature of God's declared will. What He has spoken, whether concerning blessing or judgment, will assuredly come to pass; His divine purposes are fixed and immutable.
* **Iniquity (Hebrew, _ʼâven'_):** From H205, meaning "nothingness; also trouble, vanity, wickedness." This word denotes moral corruption, wickedness, and, significantly, the emptiness or futility inherent in idolatry and misplaced trust. It powerfully highlights the spiritual bankruptcy of Judah's reliance on Egypt, which is viewed as a direct manifestation of their deep-seated rebellion and moral deviation from God's covenant. The "workers of iniquity" are those whose deeds are characterized by this spiritual emptiness and active rebellion against God's righteous standards.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Yet he also [is] wise":** This opening clause immediately asserts God's supreme and active wisdom, directly contrasting it with the perceived wisdom and actual folly of Judah's actions described in the preceding verses. The phrase "he also" subtly implies that while Judah may consider their alliances a wise strategy, God's wisdom far surpasses theirs and ultimately dictates the true course of events. His wisdom is not passive but discerning, active, and effective.
* **"and will bring evil":** Here, "evil" (Hebrew: _ra'_) refers specifically to calamity, disaster, or punitive judgment, not moral wickedness. This signifies that God, in His perfect wisdom and unwavering justice, is the active agent who will bring about the consequences for sin and disobedience. This "evil" is a divinely ordained consequence, an integral part of His righteous judgment against unfaithfulness and rebellion.
* **"and will not call back his words":** This powerful declaration underscores the immutability and absolute certainty of God's decrees. What God has declared, whether in warning or promise, He will unfailingly perform. His pronouncements of judgment are not subject to change or retraction, emphasizing His faithfulness to His own character and His unwavering commitment to upholding justice.
* **"but will arise against the house of the evildoers":** This phrase signifies God's active intervention and direct opposition. To "arise" (Hebrew: _qûwm_) implies a decisive, powerful movement to confront and act. The "house of the evildoers" refers comprehensively to those who habitually practice wickedness, specifically in this context, the leadership and people of Judah who have chosen to defy God and place their trust in foreign powers.
* **"and against the help of them that work iniquity":** This concluding phrase precisely identifies the dual target of God's judgment: not only the "evildoers" themselves but also the "help" (Hebrew: _ʻezrâh_) they rely upon. This directly addresses Judah's alliance with Egypt, identifying it as a false and ungodly "help" that is itself tainted by "iniquity." God will dismantle their false sense of security and expose the utter futility of their misplaced trust.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 31:2 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. **Contrast** is foundational, meticulously setting God's perfect, active wisdom against the shortsightedness and folly of human wisdom, and His unwavering word against the shifting sands of human alliances. The initial phrase, "Yet he also [is] wise," immediately establishes this crucial juxtaposition. **Anthropomorphism** is clearly evident in the declaration that God "will arise," depicting the Almighty as taking decisive, physical action, much like a warrior rising to battle. This emphasizes His active involvement in human affairs and His resolute commitment to justice. Furthermore, the use of **Parallelism** in the concluding clauses—"against the house of the evildoers, and against the help of them that work iniquity"—reinforces the comprehensive and inescapable nature of God's judgment, targeting both the perpetrators of iniquity and the very means by which they seek to perpetuate their rebellion. This structural repetition adds a powerful rhythm and emphasis, driving home the certainty and expansive scope of divine retribution.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 31:2 profoundly articulates the theological truth of God's absolute sovereignty, His unchangeable nature, and the certainty of His righteous judgment. It reveals a God who is not merely an impassive observer but an active, decisive participant in history, whose wisdom far surpasses any human strategy or design, and whose word, once spoken, cannot be revoked. This passage serves as a powerful challenge to any notion of human autonomy or self-sufficiency that seeks security apart from Him, demonstrating unequivocally that all false trusts and worldly dependencies will ultimately be exposed and dismantled by His divine decree. It underscores the profound truth that true security, genuine wisdom, and lasting peace are found solely in Yahweh, not in worldly power, military alliances, or human ingenuity.

* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalm/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The Lord frustrates the plans of the nations")
* [Proverbs 21:30](/proverbs/21-30 "Proverbs 21:30 - No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the Lord")
* [Hebrews 6:17-18](/hebrews/6-17 "Hebrews 6:17-18 - God's unchangeable purpose and oath")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 31:2 serves as a timeless and deeply convicting reminder for believers in every generation. In a world that relentlessly seeks security in financial stability, political power, technological advancement, or even the comfort of human relationships, this verse compels us to critically examine where our ultimate trust and deepest reliance truly lie. Are we, like ancient Judah, prone to seeking "help" from sources other than God when confronted with daunting challenges or existential threats? Do we genuinely believe, in the core of our being, that God's wisdom is infinitely superior to our own, and that His spoken word is immutable and unfailing? This passage powerfully calls us to repent of any misplaced confidence and to re-anchor our faith squarely and exclusively in the Lord. It urges us to recognize that His sovereign plans for justice and redemption will prevail, and His righteous judgments against iniquity are absolutely certain. Ultimately, it encourages us to live lives characterized by faithful obedience, trusting implicitly in His promises and heeding His warnings, knowing that true peace, enduring security, and ultimate victory are found only in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I tend to place my trust when facing significant challenges or fears, beyond God's direct provision and guidance?**
* **How does my daily life, my decisions, and my priorities reflect a genuine belief in God's superior wisdom and the unchangeable nature of His word?**
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be subtly relying on "the help of them that work iniquity" (i.e., ungodly systems, worldly strategies, or unholy alliances) instead of leaning fully on God's divine provision and power?**
* **What practical, tangible steps can I take this week to deepen my reliance on God's wisdom and His unchanging word, making Him my sole source of security and counsel?**

### FAQ
**What does "bring evil" mean in this context, and does it imply God is the author of moral evil?**

Answer: In Isaiah 31:2, the Hebrew word for "evil" (H7451, _ra'_) refers specifically to calamity, disaster, or punitive judgment, not moral evil or wickedness. God is absolutely holy and righteous, and therefore cannot be the author of moral evil or sin. Instead, when the Bible states that God "brings evil," it signifies that He is the sovereign orchestrator of consequences, allowing or directly causing difficult circumstances, suffering, or judgment to come upon individuals or nations as a just and righteous response to their sin, rebellion, and disobedience. This is a profound demonstration of His holiness and justice, ensuring that unfaithfulness has its due recompense. For example, [Amos 3:6](/amos/3-6 "Amos 3:6 - Does disaster come to a city unless the Lord has done it?") uses a similar concept, indicating that no disaster befalls a city without God's ultimate permission or orchestration, underscoring His sovereign control over all events.

**How does God "not call back his words"? Does this mean He never changes His mind?**

Answer: The phrase "will not call back his words" (from H5493, _çûyr_ for "call back" and H1697, _dâbâr_ for "words") emphasizes the immutability, certainty, and irrevocable nature of God's declared will and decrees. It means that His ultimate purposes and pronouncements of judgment or blessing are fixed and will assuredly come to pass. This profound truth does not contradict instances where God is described as "relenting" (e.g., [Jonah 3:10](/jonah/3-10 "Jonah 3:10 - God relents from the disaster He said He would bring")), as such instances typically occur in response to genuine human repentance and a change of heart, which aligns perfectly with His overarching redemptive purpose of seeking relationship and demonstrating mercy. In the context of Isaiah 31:2, given Judah's persistent rebellion and refusal to repent, it underscores the unyielding and certain nature of the judgment promised for their unfaithfulness, signifying that without a fundamental change in their allegiance, the consequences are inevitable. God's essential character, His holiness, and His ultimate plans remain unchangeable, even if His immediate actions may vary based on human response to His truth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 31:2, with its powerful declaration of God's unwavering wisdom and His certain judgment against those who work iniquity and rely on false help, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament verse speaks of God bringing calamity upon evildoers, the New Testament profoundly reveals that God's ultimate and most perfect plan for dealing with human iniquity was not merely through punitive judgment, but through the unparalleled act of redemptive sacrifice. The "house of the evildoers" and "them that work iniquity" ultimately represent all humanity, for as [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All have sinned") declares, "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." God's divine wisdom, so boldly proclaimed by Isaiah, is most supremely and gloriously displayed in His intricate plan of salvation through Christ. Instead of "bringing evil" (calamity) upon His people for their sin, God, in His infinite love and wisdom, "made him who knew no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ became sin for us")). Jesus is the ultimate, divinely provided "help," infinitely superior to any earthly alliance, human strength, or worldly security. He is the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, the righteous judgment due to iniquity was fully and perfectly satisfied. Thus, God's "words" of judgment against sin were not "called back" or revoked, but rather were fulfilled and absorbed in Christ's atoning work, thereby offering a path to reconciliation, forgiveness, and true, eternal security for all who place their trust in Him, rather than in the futile "help" of the world. He is the very embodiment of God's perfect wisdom and the divine means by which justice and mercy converge in glorious harmony.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Numbers 23:19

God [is] not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do [it]? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

Isaiah 45:7

I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these [things].

Jeremiah 10:12

He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion.

1 Corinthians 1:21

For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

1 Corinthians 1:29

That no flesh should glory in his presence.

Amos 3:6

Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? shall there be evil in a city, and the LORD hath not done [it]?

Jude 1:25

To the only wise God our Saviour, [be] glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.