Conclusion of Israel Turns to a False Refuge

Isaiah, in effect, mocks the Israelite leaders who crafted the treaty with Egypt, saying: "He is also wise and will bring in what is calamitous, and he has not called back his own words; and he will certainly rise up against the house of evildoers and against the assistance of those practicing what is hurtful." (Isaiah 31:2) Israel's leaders may think that they are wise. But is not the Creator of the universe supremely wise? By all appearances Israel's scheme to seek help from Egypt is strategically sound. Nevertheless, forming such a political alliance constitutes spiritual adultery in Jehovah's sight.  (Ezekiel 23:1-10) As a result, Isaiah says that Jehovah will "bring in what is calamitous."

Human promises are notoriously unreliable, and human protection is uncertain.  Jehovah, on the other hand, does not need to 'call back his own words.'  He will without fail do what he promises.  His word does not return to him without results. -Isaiah 55:10, 11; 14:24.

Will the Egyptians prove to be reliable protection for Israel? No. Isaiah tells Israel: "The Egyptians, though,  are earthling men, and not God; and their horses are flesh, and not spirit.  And Jehovah himself will stretch out his hand, and he that is offering help will have to stumble, and he that is being helped will have to fall, and at the same time they will all of them come to an end." (Isaiah 31:3)  Both the helper (Egypt)  and the helped (Israel) will stumble, fall, and come to their end when Jehovah stretches out his hand to execute judgment by means of Assyria. 

Next time: Samaria's Fall

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, 2000