Isaiah 31:1

“Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help, &c.] Or, “O ye that go down”, &c.; what poor foolish creatures are you! And in the end what miserable and wretched ones will ye be! Such were the Jewish rulers and people, who either went themselves, or sent ambassadors to the king of Egypt, to supply them with men and horses against the king of Assyria, contrary to the express command of God, which forbid them returning to Egypt; and which showed their unmindfulness of deliverance from thence, and their not having a due sense of that mercy upon them; as well as their so doing exposed them to the danger of being drawn into the superstitions and idolatries of that people: and stay on horses, and…”

“THE CHIEF STRENGTH OF THE EGYPTIAN ARMIES LAY IN THEIR CAVALRY. (Isa 31:1-9) and stay on horses, and trust in chariots--In their level and fertile plains horses could easily be used and fed (Exo 14:9; Kg1 10:28). In hilly Palestine horses were not so easily had or available. The Jews were therefore the more eager to get Egyptian chariots as allies against the Assyrian cavalry. In Assyrian sculptures chariots are represented drawn by three horses, and with three men in them (see Isa 36:9; Psa 20:7; Dan 9:13).”

“Wo - (see the note at Isaiah 30:1). To them that go down to Egypt - (see the note at Isaiah 30:2). And stay on horses - (see the note at Isaiah 30:16). And trust in chariots - (see the note at Isaiah 21:7). That they were often used in war, is apparent from the following places Joshua 11:4; Judges 1:19; 1 Samuel 13:5; 2 Samuel 8:4. Because they are many - Because they hope to secure the aid of many. See the references above. It is evident that their confidence in them would be in proportion to the number which they could bring into the field. But they look not ... - (see the note at Isaiah 30:1) return to 'Top of Page'”

“Horses - For Egypt had many and choice horses. Isaiah 31:2”

“31:1-3 Isaiah delivered another vision regarding Judah’s negotiations with Egypt, which probably took place in 705–701 BC. During that time, the conquering Assyrians were on the move, threatening Judah. At first, Hezekiah tried political and military means to avert being totally conquered (see 2 Kgs 18:13-16). 31:1 What sorrow: This is the fifth of the six woes (see study note on 28:1–33:24). • Looking to the Lord implies seeking his guidance with a worshipful attitude (see Deut 4:29; Ps 105:3-4).”

“to them: Isa 30:1-7, Isa 36:6, Isa 57:9; Eze 17:15; Hos 11:5 stay on horses: Isa 30:16, Isa 36:9; Deu 17:16; Psa 20:7, Psa 33:16, Psa 33:17, the look, Isa 5:12, Isa 17:7, Isa 17:8, Isa 22:11; Ch2 16:7; Jer 2:13, Jer 17:5; Hos 14:3 neither: Isa 9:13, Isa 64:7; Dan 9:13; Hos 7:7, Hos 7:13-16; Amo 5:4-8 Isaiah 31:2”

“There is nothing to surprise us in the fact, that the prophet returns again and again to the alliance with Egypt. After his warning had failed to prevent it, he wrestled with it in spirit, set before himself afresh the curse which would be its certain fruit, brought out and unfolded the consolation of believers that lay hidden in the curse, and did not rest till the cursed fruit, that had become a real thing, had been swallowed up by the promise, which was equally real. The situation of this fourth woe is just the same as that of the previous one. The alliance with Egypt is still in progress. "Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help, and rely upon horses, and put their trust in chariots,…”