Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryIsaiah 31

Confidence in Egypt ReprovedThis chapter is the last in a series of four that start with a warning, or "woe," to sinners among God's people. Each chapter addresses a different group: the drunkards of Ephraim (Isaiah 28:1 ), Ariel (Isaiah 29:1 ), the rebellious children (Isaiah 30:1 ), and now those who trust in Egypt for help. Being part of God’s people does not protect someone from judgment if they ignore God's commands and look for help in the wrong places.v. 1: God warns those who go to Egypt for help. The people trust Egypt because they have many horses and chariots. They believe Egypt can protect them from the Assyrians. But by doing this, they ignore the Holy One of Israel. They do not ask God for help or try to make Him their friend. Instead, they put their hope in people who worship false gods, thinking this will bring success.

v. 2: The people forget that God is wise—wiser than anyone in Egypt. If they do not trust in God’s wisdom, He will use it against them. God will not change His words or His plans. He will punish those who do evil and those who help them. If the people make alliances with Egypt, God will make sure it leads to their failure. Those who turn away from God will find that He works against them, not for them.

v. 3: God reminds them that the Egyptians are only people, not God. Their horses are strong, but they are just flesh, not spirit. People are weak and cannot compare to God. If you trust in people instead of God, you will be disappointed. When God stretches out His hand, both the helper (Egypt) and the one who is helped (Judah) will fall together. Trusting in anything or anyone more than God always leads to trouble.

v. 4: God says He will protect Jerusalem like a lion guards its prey. When many shepherds try to scare the lion away by shouting, it does not even notice them. In the same way, the Lord

v. 5: God will also care for Jerusalem like a bird protects its young. He will defend the city with love and care, keeping it safe from harm. Just as God saved His people in Egypt by "passing over" their houses during the first Passover (Exodus 12:12, 23, 27 ), He will protect Jerusalem from destruction. He will not leave them, but will always be ready to save and preserve them (Isaiah 37:35 ).

A Call to Repentance; Deliverance of JerusalemThis section explains that before God will deliver Jerusalem, the people must first be changed in their hearts. God’s help comes after the people return to Him. True deliverance follows true repentance.v. 6: God calls the people of Israel to turn back to Him. He says, Turn unto him from whom the children of Israel have deeply revolted. God reminds them that they are His children, and even though they have rebelled, they should return. Their rebellion has gone deep, but God still invites them to come back and promises to heal them if they do.

v. 7: When the people repent, they will throw away their idols. In that day every man shall cast away his idols of silver, and his idols of gold. The people will realize that their idols were a sin and will not want them anymore. This will be a personal change for everyone, and it will be a sincere reformation, not just for show. They will get rid of even the idols they made with their own hands, showing true sorrow for their sin.

v. 8: After the people turn back to God and give up their idols, God will defeat their enemies. Then shall the Assyrian fall with the sword, not of a mighty man; and the sword, not of a mean man, shall devour him. The Assyrian army will be destroyed, but not by human strength. It will be God’s power, possibly through an angel, that brings victory. The young soldiers of Assyria will panic and flee, and many will die.

v. 9: The king of Assyria will run away in fear, trying to escape God’s judgment. His princes shall be afraid of the ensign(Isaiah 31:9 ). The leaders will be terrified, possibly at the sight of God’s sign or banner. This victory will happen because the Lord