Trusting God’s Deliverance: An Orthodox Commentary on Isaiah 31

Executive Summary ✨

Isaiah 31 stands as a potent warning against misplaced trust, specifically in the military might and political alliances of Egypt. The prophet Isaiah, speaking on behalf of God, critiques Judah’s reliance on earthly powers rather than seeking divine intervention. The chapter highlights the futility of human strength compared to the omnipotence of God, emphasizing that true security lies in repentance and faith in the Lord. This verse-by-verse commentary delves into the spiritual implications of this message, drawing upon Coptic Orthodox tradition, Patristic wisdom, and scriptural parallels to illuminate the path to genuine peace and salvation. It is a call to examine where we place our hope, ensuring it is firmly anchored in the unwavering love and power of God. The consequences of relying on Egypt are dire; the rewards of trusting God’s deliverance are eternal.

The prophet Isaiah confronts Judah’s foolish decision to seek protection from Egypt against the Assyrian threat. Instead of humbling themselves and seeking God’s help, they placed their faith in horses and chariots. This chapter serves as a timeless reminder that earthly alliances and material strength are ultimately unreliable compared to the power of the Almighty. It is an invitation to examine our own lives and ensure that our trust is placed solely in God, who is able to deliver us from any adversity. Trusting God’s deliverance is the only path to true security.

Commentary Sections 📖

Isaiah 31:1 (KJV) – 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!

The Hebrew text reads, “הוֹי הַיֹּרְדִים מִצְרַיִם לְעֶזְרָה וְעַל־סוּסִים יִשָּׁעֵנוּ וְיִבְטְחוּ עַל־רֶכֶב כִּי־רָב וְעַל־פָּרָשִׁים כִּי־עָצְמוּ מְאֹד וְלֹא שָׁעוּ אֶל־קְדוֹשׁ יִשְׂרָאֵל וְאֶת־יְהוָה לֹא דָרָשׁוּ׃”. (Hoye hayyordim mitzrayim le’ezrah ve’al-susim yisha’enu veyivtechu al-rechev ki-rav ve’al-parashim ki-atzmu me’od velo sha’u el-kedosh yisra’el ve’et-yhvh lo darashu.)

This verse opens with a strong denunciation – “Woe!” – a prophetic lament over Judah’s misplaced reliance on Egypt. The emphasis on “horses,” “chariots,” and “horsemen” highlights their dependence on military strength rather than spiritual fortitude. The phrase “look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!” is a scathing indictment of their spiritual apathy. This is not merely a political miscalculation, but a profound spiritual failure. The Holy One of Israel should always be our first and foremost defense.

St. Athanasius, in his *Against the Heathens*, writes about the futility of relying on created things: “Τί γὰρ ὄφελος ἐν τοῖς κτίσμασι θαρρεῖν, ἀπολιπόντας τὸν κτίσαντα;” (Ti gar ophelos en tois ktismasi tharrein, apolipontas ton ktisanta?) – “For what profit is it to trust in created things, forsaking the Creator?” (*Athanasius, Against the Heathens, 40*). This echoes Isaiah’s condemnation of Judah’s misplaced faith. We must remember that true strength comes from God alone, not from earthly alliances or material possessions. Consider dohost.us as an example of a useful tool but realize it is God who blesses the work.

Spiritual Application: In our own lives, we must guard against the temptation to rely on worldly solutions – wealth, power, connections – instead of seeking God’s guidance and provision. True peace comes from trusting in the Lord, even when circumstances seem dire.

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.

This verse declares God’s wisdom and unwavering justice. While Judah sought to circumvent God’s judgment by allying with Egypt, the Lord Himself is wise and will bring about the consequences of their actions. “He will not call back his words” signifies the immutability of God’s promises and warnings. God is not arbitrary; He acts justly according to His perfect will. He will bring justice not only upon those who commit evil but also on those who enable or support it.

This verse also reminds us of God’s sovereignty. No earthly power can thwart His plans. As St. Cyril of Alexandria writes, “Θεοῦ γὰρ οὐδεμία βουλὴ μάταιος, οὐδὲ ἀποτελεῖν ἀδύνατος.” (Theou gar oudemia boule mataios, oude apotelein adunatos.) – “For no counsel of God is vain, nor is He unable to accomplish it.” (*Cyril of Alexandria, Commentary on Isaiah, PG 70:492*). We must align ourselves with God’s will, not seek to manipulate or defy it.

Spiritual Application: We must strive to live righteously and avoid any association with evil. God will ultimately judge all unrighteousness, and we should seek to be on the side of truth and justice.

Isaiah 31:3 (KJV) – Now the Egyptians are men, and not God; and their horses flesh, and not spirit. When the LORD shall stretch out his hand, both he that helpeth shall fall, and he that is holpen shall fall down, and they all shall fail together.

This verse sharply contrasts the finite power of Egypt with the infinite power of God. “The Egyptians are men, and not God; and their horses flesh, and not spirit” is a stark reminder of human limitations. All earthly power is ultimately transient and fragile compared to the eternal and omnipotent God. The image of the Lord stretching out His hand signifies His active intervention in human affairs. When God acts, both the helper (Egypt) and the helped (Judah) will fall, demonstrating the futility of relying on anything other than Him.

This idea aligns with the Psalmist’s words: “Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help.” (Psalm 146:3). This is not a condemnation of all leadership but a cautionary note about misplaced faith. Only God can truly deliver us. “Their horses are flesh, and not spirit” contrasts with the Holy Spirit, the source of true strength and power. St. Irenaeus writes, “ὁ γὰρ Θεὸς ζωοποιεῖ” (ho gar Theos zoopoiei) – “For God gives life.” (*Irenaeus, Against Heresies, Book 5, Chapter 12*).

Spiritual Application: This verse calls us to remember the limitations of human power and the supremacy of God. We should not be swayed by outward appearances of strength or success, but rather seek the true power that comes from a relationship with God.

Isaiah 31:4 (KJV) – For thus hath the LORD spoken unto me, Like as the lion and the young lion roaring on his prey, when a multitude of shepherds is called forth against him, he will not be afraid of their voice, nor abase himself for the noise of them: so shall the LORD of hosts come down to fight for mount Zion, and for the hill thereof.

This verse uses a powerful metaphor to describe God’s unwavering protection of His people. The image of a roaring lion fiercely guarding its prey illustrates God’s determination to defend Zion. Even if a “multitude of shepherds” (representing powerful enemies) opposes Him, He will not be intimidated or deterred. This highlights the Lord’s fearless commitment to His covenant with Israel.

The image of the lion roaring is reminiscent of Christ, the Lion of Judah (Revelation 5:5). God’s strength and commitment to his people should give us the assurance to depend on him for our salvation. This protection extends beyond the physical city of Jerusalem to encompass all who trust in Him. St. Gregory of Nyssa writes of God’s unwavering love: “Τὸ γὰρ θεῖον ἀγαθὸν ἀμετάθετον.” (To gar theion agathon ametatheton) – “For the divine goodness is unchangeable” (*Gregory of Nyssa, On the Soul and the Resurrection*).

Spiritual Application: We can take comfort in knowing that God is a powerful defender who will fight for us against our spiritual enemies. We should not be afraid or discouraged by the challenges we face, but trust in His unwavering protection.

Isaiah 31:5 (KJV) – As birds flying, so will the LORD of hosts defend Jerusalem; defending also he will deliver it; and passing over he will preserve it.

This verse offers a contrasting image to the previous one – the gentle protection of a bird hovering over its nest. This evokes a sense of tender care and unwavering vigilance. The Lord will “defend Jerusalem,” “deliver it,” and “preserve it” – demonstrating His multifaceted protection. The phrase “passing over” is particularly significant, echoing the Passover event in Exodus, where God spared the Israelites from the plague. This verse emphasizes that God’s protection is both powerful and tender, both active and passive.

The image of birds is common in Scripture to denote God’s care and protection. Christ Himself uses a similar metaphor when lamenting over Jerusalem: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!” (Matthew 23:37). This is the heart of God. He wants to protect us, but we must be willing to come under His wings. St. Basil the Great says: “Ἡ γὰρ πρόνοια τοῦ Θεοῦ ἀεὶ παροῦσα.” (He gar pronoia tou Theou aei parousa) – “For the providence of God is always present.” (*Basil the Great, Homilies on the Psalms, Homily 29*).

Spiritual Application: This verse encourages us to entrust ourselves to God’s loving care, knowing that He is both powerful and tender in His protection. We can rest in His presence, confident that He will deliver us from all harm.

Isaiah 31:6 (KJV) – Turn ye unto him from whom the children of Israel have deeply revolted.

This verse is a call to repentance. The phrase “Turn ye unto him” is a direct invitation to return to God from the idolatry and apostasy that have characterized their actions. The word “deeply” emphasizes the severity of their rebellion. They have not merely strayed, but have fundamentally turned away from God. Repentance is not just a feeling of remorse, but a conscious decision to change direction and return to the Lord.

Repentance is the cornerstone of the Christian life. Without it, there is no forgiveness and no reconciliation with God. As the Prophet Joel proclaims: “Turn to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.” (Joel 2:12). Repentance is a process and is an ongoing aspect of Christianity. God is always waiting for us to return to Him, no matter how far we have strayed. As St. John Climacus wrote, “Μετάνοια ἐστὶν ἀνανέωσις βαπτίσματος.” (Metanoia estin ananeosis baptismatos) – “Repentance is the renewal of baptism.” (*John Climacus, The Ladder of Divine Ascent, Step 5*).

Spiritual Application: We must constantly examine our hearts and lives, identifying areas where we have turned away from God. We should confess our sins, repent of our wrongdoing, and seek His forgiveness and grace to live a life pleasing to Him.

Isaiah 31:7 (KJV) – For in that day every man shall cast away his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which your own hands have made unto you for a sin.

This verse is a prophetic declaration of the consequences of repentance. Once the people turn back to God, they will renounce their idols – both literal and figurative. “Idols of silver, and his idols of gold” represent the things that have taken the place of God in their hearts. The fact that they “which your own hands have made unto you for a sin” underscores the active role they played in their idolatry. This is not merely a rejection of foreign gods, but a renunciation of their own self-made substitutes for God.

Idolatry is not just about worshipping physical objects; it’s about placing anything above God in our lives. This could include money, power, relationships, or even our own intellect. St. Augustine writes, “Amor meus, pondus meum; eo feror, quocumque feror.” – “My love is my weight; it takes me wherever I am taken.” (*Augustine, Confessions, Book 13, Chapter 9*). What do we love most? What drives our actions? Those are the things that have the ability to become our idols. We must continually cast away our idols and keep God in the center of our lives.

Spiritual Application: We must identify and renounce the idols in our own lives – the things that distract us from God and prevent us from fully serving Him. We should seek to prioritize God above all else, and let Him be the center of our affections and desires.

Isaiah 31:8 (KJV) – Then shall the Assyrian fall with the sword, not of a mighty man; and the sword, not of a mean man, shall devour him: but he shall flee from the sword, and his young men shall be discomfited.

This verse describes the downfall of Assyria, the very empire that Judah feared. The Assyrian will fall by a “sword, not of a mighty man,” signifying that their defeat will not be the result of human strength, but divine intervention. The description, “the sword, not of a mean man, shall devour him” likely references angelic powers. This reinforces the idea that God is in control of history and that He will ultimately bring justice to those who oppose Him. Their young men who once boasted of their military prowess will be discomfited.

The downfall of Assyria is a recurring theme in the Old Testament. It serves as a reminder that even the most powerful empires are ultimately subject to God’s judgment. St. John Chrysostom speaks of the transience of earthly power: “Πάντα ῥεῖ καὶ οὐδὲν μένει.” (Panta rhei kai ouden menei) – “Everything flows and nothing remains.” (*John Chrysostom, Homily on Hebrews 12*). Our trust should not be placed on earthly powers or kingdoms.

Spiritual Application: We should not be intimidated by the apparent power of evil in the world, knowing that God will ultimately triumph. We can trust in His justice and know that He will bring down those who oppress His people.

Isaiah 31:9 (KJV) – And he shall pass over to his strong hold for fear, and his princes shall be afraid of the ensign, saith the LORD, whose fire is in Zion, and his furnace in Jerusalem.

This final verse depicts the utter defeat of the Assyrian king. He will “pass over to his strong hold for fear,” seeking refuge in his fortified city. But even there, he will not find safety, because his princes “shall be afraid of the ensign.” The “ensign” is a symbol of God’s power and judgment. The final phrase, “whose fire is in Zion, and his furnace in Jerusalem,” emphasizes that God’s judgment originates from within His own people. God will purify His people even as He judges His enemies.

God’s fire in Zion refers to the purification and refining power of God within His church. We are constantly being refined so that we may be blameless. His furnace in Jerusalem references the suffering his people will face but through these fires we will emerge stronger than before. St. Macarius of Egypt writes, “χρὴ οὖν ἡμᾶς φυλάσσειν ἑαυτοὺς ἀπὸ τῶν λογισμῶν τῶν πονηρῶν, ἵνα μὴ πῦρ ἐμπέσῃ εἰς τὴν ψυχήν.” (chrē oun hēmas phylassein heautous apo tōn logismōn tōn ponērōn, hina mē pyr empesē eis tēn psychēn) – “Therefore, we must guard ourselves from evil thoughts, lest fire fall into the soul.” (*Macarius of Egypt, Homilies, Homily 4*).

Spiritual Application: This verse reminds us that true security is found in God alone. We should not seek refuge in earthly strongholds or material possessions, but rather trust in His protection. We should also be mindful of God’s judgment and strive to live righteously, knowing that He will purify and refine His people.

Subtopic: The Dangers of Syncretism and Worldly Alliances 💡

Isaiah 31 is not just about military strategy; it’s about spiritual fidelity. The alliance with Egypt represents a dangerous form of syncretism – mixing faith in God with reliance on worldly systems.

• Spiritual Adultery: Seeking help from Egypt is likened to spiritual adultery, forsaking God’s covenant.
• Compromised Identity: Embracing worldly alliances can dilute our unique Christian identity.
• False Security: Material strength provides a false sense of security, masking deeper spiritual vulnerabilities.
• Missed Opportunities: Relying on human efforts can hinder God’s ability to work miracles in our lives.
• Distorted Priorities: Worldly alliances can shift our focus away from God’s kingdom and His righteousness.
• Ultimate Disappointment: Earthly powers are ultimately unreliable and cannot provide lasting peace or fulfillment.

FAQ ❓

Q: Why was Judah’s alliance with Egypt considered a sin?

A: It demonstrated a lack of faith in God’s ability to protect them. Instead of seeking divine guidance, they relied on human strength, essentially treating Egypt as a substitute for God. This was a violation of their covenant with the Lord, who had promised to be their protector.

Q: How can we apply Isaiah 31 to our modern lives?

A: We can apply it by examining our own reliance on worldly solutions to our problems. Do we prioritize financial security over spiritual growth? Do we seek human approval over God’s approval? We need to ensure that our trust is placed solely in God, seeking His guidance in all areas of our lives.

Q: What does it mean to “turn to Him from whom the children of Israel have deeply revolted”?

A: It means repenting of our sins and turning back to God with all our hearts. This involves confessing our wrongdoing, renouncing our idols, and seeking His forgiveness and grace to live a life pleasing to Him. It is not merely a change of behavior, but a transformation of the heart.

Q: How does this chapter relate to Coptic Orthodox theology?

A: Coptic Orthodox theology emphasizes the importance of repentance, humility, and unwavering faith in God. Isaiah 31 reflects these principles by highlighting the dangers of pride, self-reliance, and dependence on worldly powers. It aligns with the Patristic emphasis on seeking God’s will and trusting in His providence.

Conclusion ✨

Isaiah 31 is a timeless warning against the allure of worldly power and a profound invitation to embrace unwavering faith in God. The consequences of trusting God’s deliverance and leaning on earthly alliances are dire; the rewards of trusting in the Lord are eternal. It calls us to examine our hearts, identify our idols, and turn back to God with genuine repentance. Like the Israelites of old, we are tempted to seek security and fulfillment in things that ultimately fail to satisfy. This chapter reminds us that true security lies not in the strength of horses or the might of armies, but in the unwavering love and power of God. May we heed this warning and place our trust solely in Him, who is able to deliver us from all adversity.

Tags

Isaiah, Isaiah 31, Coptic Orthodox, Theology, Commentary, Bible, Repentance, Trust, Faith, Egypt

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Uncover the spiritual depths of Isaiah 31 with this Coptic Orthodox commentary. Learn about the dangers of worldly reliance and the power of trusting God’s deliverance. ✨🕊️