Bible Commentary

Isaiah 31:3

The Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 31:3

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

Now the Egyptians are men, and not God. Judah relied on Pharaoh, as on a sort of God, which indeed he was considered in his own country. Isaiah asserts the contrary in the strongest way: the Egyptians, one and all, are men—mere men; and "there is no help in them" ().

Their horses flesh, and not spirit. The horses, on which so much reliance was placed, were mere animals, subject to all the weakness of the animal nature, not spirit-horses, with a life and vigor of their own, by which they could be a real tower of strength to those on whose side they ranged themselves.

They all shall fail together; i.e. the helpers and the helped (compare the concluding clauses of verse 2).

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Matthew Henry on Isaiah 31:1-5Isaiah 31:1-5 · Matthew Henry Concise CommentaryGod will oppose the help sought from workers of iniquity. Sinners may be convicted of folly by plain and self-evident truths, which they cannot deny, but will not believe. There is no escaping the judgments of God; and…Confidence in Egypt Reproved. (b. c. 720.)Isaiah 31:1-5 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleCONFIDENCE IN EGYPT REPROVED. (B. C. 720.) This is the last of four chapters together that begin with woe; and they are all woes to the sinners that were found among the professing people of God, to the drunkards of Eph…The Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 31:1-3Isaiah 31:1-3 · The Pulpit CommentaryA FURTHER WARNING AGAINST SEEKING THE ALLIANCE OF EGYPT. This prophecy seems to be quite independent of the last (Isaiah 30:1-7). It may have been given earlier or later. The chief point brought out, which had not disti…The Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 31:1-9Isaiah 31:1-9 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITIONThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 31:1-5Isaiah 31:1-5 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe arm of flesh. How important is this subject we may gather from the fact that the prophet is inspired to return to it, and to reiterate his condemnation (see Isaiah 30:1). The disposition to lean on the arm of flesh…The Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 31:3Isaiah 31:3 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe help of Egypt. A party in Judah is negotiating with Egypt; and the prophet points out the falseness of this policy. I. IT IS A RELIANCE UPON BRUTE FORCE. "Horses" are symbolic of martial strength. And Judah, being p…
commentaryMatthew Henry on Isaiah 31:1-5God will oppose the help sought from workers of iniquity. Sinners may be convicted of folly by plain and self-evident truths, which they cannot deny, but will not believe. There is no escaping the judgments of God; and…Matthew HenrycommentaryConfidence in Egypt Reproved. (b. c. 720.)CONFIDENCE IN EGYPT REPROVED. (B. C. 720.) This is the last of four chapters together that begin with woe; and they are all woes to the sinners that were found among the professing people of God, to the drunkards of Eph…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 31:1-3A FURTHER WARNING AGAINST SEEKING THE ALLIANCE OF EGYPT. This prophecy seems to be quite independent of the last (Isaiah 30:1-7). It may have been given earlier or later. The chief point brought out, which had not disti…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 31:1-9EXPOSITIONJoseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 31:1-5The arm of flesh. How important is this subject we may gather from the fact that the prophet is inspired to return to it, and to reiterate his condemnation (see Isaiah 30:1). The disposition to lean on the arm of flesh…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 31:3The help of Egypt. A party in Judah is negotiating with Egypt; and the prophet points out the falseness of this policy. I. IT IS A RELIANCE UPON BRUTE FORCE. "Horses" are symbolic of martial strength. And Judah, being p…Joseph S. Exell and contributors