Isaiah 31:1 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… : — I. THE UNHOLY ALLIANCE which the Jewish people formed with Egypt. God had promised to be their Protector; He had also prohibited alliances with heathen nations (Exodus 23:32; Deuteronomy 7:2). This alliance with Egypt was a violation of this command. 1. This unholy alliance is an old sin. They could see and feel the horses and chariots of Egypt. They allowed their senses to be their sovereigns, instead of making them their servants. Has not this been the ruin of the race? Fleshly lusts "war against the soul." History is crowded with examples. Eve in Eden; Esau; the Israelites in the wilderness; David. 2. This unholy alliance is marked by peculiar features. (1) It was a wretched choice. "Egypt." What good thing had Egypt ever done for them? Not one. Yet they chose Egypt in preference to God. (2) They were influenced by sensuous motives. They were carried away by the strength of the horses and the beauty of the chariots of Egypt. (3) It led them to reject God. 3. This unholy alliance incurred severe punishment. "Woe," &c. Sin leads to punishment. The safety of a nation does not consist in the strength of her army, nor in the extent of her commerce, but in her loyalty to God (Proverbs 14:34; Isaiah 60:12). II. This unholy alliance is COMMON IN THE PRESENT DAY. This unholy alliance is formed — 1. When relief is looked for from wrong sources in the day of trouble. God is a refuge and helper to all true souls in trouble who trust in Him. Yet how. common it is for many in the day of trouble to enter into a league with sin and make a covenant with death! A woe follows such, and sooner or later will overtake them. 2. When happiness is sought in wrong paths. True happiness is obtained when our will is brought into harmony with God's will. Many look for it in other directions. E.g., the miser, the sensuous, the ambitious, the worldling. 3. When salvation is expected in any other way than through Christ. 4. When unworthy means are employed to spread the Gospel. Conclusion: — True loyalty to God will bring safety, happiness, heaven. Horses may be strong, numerous, and swift; but they shall die and be forgotten. Chariots shall become lighter than dust; but they who do the will of God abide for ever. "Some trust in chariots," &c. (J. Wileman.) Parallel Verses 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! |
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