Israel Turns to a False Refuge

Jehovah wants to bring the Israelites back to their senses.  So he send the prophet Isaiah with the following warning:  "Woe to those going down to Egypt for assistance, those who rely on mere horses, and who put their trust in war chariots, because they are numerous, and in steeds, because they are very mighty, but who have not looked to the Holy One of Israel and have not searched for Jehovah himself." (Isaiah 32:1)  How tragic!  Israel places greater trust in horses and in war chariots than in the living God, Jehovah.  To Israel's fleshly way of thinking, Egypt's horses are numerous and mighty. Surely Egypt will be a valuable ally against the Assyrian army!  However, the Israelites will soon find  that their fleshly alliance with Egypt is futile.

Through the Law covenant, the inhabitants  of both Israel and Judah are in a dedicated relationship with Jehovah.  (Exodus 24:3-8; 1 Chronicles 16:15-17)  By turning to Egypt for help, Israel reveals a lack of faith in Jehovah and a disregard for the laws that are part of that holy covenant .  Why?  Because included in the terms of the covenant is Jehovah's promise to protect his people, if they render exclusive devotion to him.  (Leviticus 26:3-8) True to that promise, Jehovah has repeatedly  proved to be a "fortress in the time of distress."  (Psalm 37:39; 2 Chronicles 14:2, 9-12; 17:3-5, 10)  Moreover, through Moses, the mediator of the Law covenant, Jehovah told future kings of Israel not to increase horses for themselves.  (Deuteronomy 17:16)  Obedience to this regulation would show that  these kings look to "the Holy One of Israel" for protection.  Sadly, the rulers of Israel do not have that kind of faith.

There is a lesson in this for Christians today.  Israel looked to visible support from Egypt rather than to the far more powerful support that Jehovah provides.  likewise today, Christians may be tempted to place their confidence in fleshly sources of security-bank accounts, social position, connections in the world-rather than in Jehovah. Granted, Christian family heads take seriously their responsibility to provide materially for their families.  (1 Timothy 5:8)  But they do not put their faith in material things. And they guard against  "every sort of covetousness."  (Luke 12:13-21)  The only "secure height in times of distress" is Jehovah God. -Psalm 9:9; 54:7.

Next time: Conclusion of Israel Turns to a False Refuge

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