◄ Isaiah 31 ►
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Woe to Those Who Rely on Egypt 1Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in their abundance of chariots and in their multitude of horsemen. They do not look to the Holy One of Israel; they do not seek the LORD. 2Yet He too is wise and brings disaster; He does not call back His words. He will rise up against the house of the wicked and against the allies of evildoers. 3But the Egyptians are men, not God; their horses are flesh, not spirit. When the LORD stretches out His hand, the helper will stumble, and the one he helps will fall; both will perish together. 4For this is what the LORD has said to me: “Like a lion roaring or a young lion over its prey— and though a band of shepherds is called out against it, it is not terrified by their shouting or subdued by their clamor— so the LORD of Hosts will come down to do battle on Mount Zion and its heights. 5Like birds hovering overhead, so the LORD of Hosts will protect Jerusalem. He will shield it and deliver it; He will pass over it and preserve it.” 6Return to the One against whom you have so blatantly rebelled, O children of Israel. 7For on that day, every one of you will reject the idols of silver and gold that your own hands have sinfully made. 8“Then Assyria will fall, but not by the sword of man; a sword will devour them, but not one made by mortals. They will flee before the sword, and their young men will be put to forced labor. 9Their rock will pass away for fear, and their princes will panic at the sight of the battle standard,” declares the LORD, whose fire is in Zion, whose furnace is in Jerusalem. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Isaiah 31 Summary Woe to Those Who Rely on Egypt Verses 1–3 – Trusting Egypt Over God Isaiah denounces Judah’s plan to hire Egyptian cavalry and chariots. Egypt looks impressive, but “the Egyptians are men and not God; their horses are flesh and not spirit” (v. 3). The Lord, who is “wise,” will use the very alliance Judah thinks will save it to bring judgment. Confidence in human power without seeking God is exposed as a deadly illusion. Verses 4–5 – God Stands Guard Over Zion Picture a lion growling over its prey, unfazed by the shepherds’ shouting, or birds hovering protectively over their young. That is how the LORD of Hosts promises to defend Jerusalem: “He will shield and deliver it; He will pass over it and preserve it” (v. 5). God Himself is the ultimate fortress of His people. Verses 6–9 – Return and Watch Assyria Fall Isaiah calls the nation to turn back: “Return to Him against whom you have so deeply revolted” (v. 6). Idols of silver and gold will be tossed away like trash. Meanwhile the Assyrian superpower, once terrifying, will crumble: “The Assyrian will fall by a sword not of man” (v. 8). Their stronghold will burn, and their officers will flee in panic because the LORD “has a fire in Zion” (v. 9). Isaiah 31 offers an intriguing narrative centered around the prophet Isaiah's admonition to the people of Judah against seeking military support from Egypt. It's a divine declaration of the folly of trusting in human might, affirming the superiority of faith in God's protective and restorative power. The chapter stresses the importance of looking towards God for deliverance and not depending on foreign nations. Historical Background • Timeframe: About 705–701 BC, during King Hezekiah’s reign. Assyria, led by Sennacherib, was rolling over the ancient Near East. Judah’s leaders weighed a defensive pact with Egypt, hoping chariots could counter Assyrian infantry. • Political scene: Egypt (under the 25th “Cushite” Dynasty) was resurging but still a secondary power. Judah’s elite thought “the enemy of my enemy is my friend,” yet Isaiah warned that Egypt’s help would prove hollow (compare Isaiah 30:1–5). • Outcome: Hezekiah eventually trusted the LORD, and in 701 BC the angel of the LORD struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers (Isaiah 37:36–38), exactly fulfilling the prediction that Assyria would fall “by a sword not of man” (31:8). Literary Flow and Imagery 1. Woe oracle (vv. 1-3) – exposes misplaced trust. 2. Protection oracle (vv. 4-5) – two vivid metaphors: the fearless lion and hovering birds. 3. Repentance call & victory prophecy (vv. 6-9) – turn from idols, watch God act. Isaiah uses contrast—Egyptian flesh vs. God’s spirit, helpless idols vs. the living LORD, swords of men vs. God’s unseen sword—to hammer home the lesson: only God saves. Key Words and Ideas • “Woe” (Hebrew: hōy) – a cry of grief mixed with warning. • “Rely” / “trust” – the foundational spiritual issue. • “Holy One of Israel” – Isaiah’s favorite divine title (31:1), stressing God’s purity and covenant faithfulness. • “Pass over” (v. 5) – same verb used at the first Passover (Exodus 12:13), linking past deliverance to present assurance. • “Fire in Zion” (v. 9) – evokes God’s burning presence (Exodus 3:2; Hebrews 12:29). Ancient Near Eastern Context • Chariots: Egyptian reliefs show three-man chariots with composite bows—terrifying speed on the flat coastal plain, but nearly useless in Judah’s hill country. • Horses: Assyria’s cavalry innovations made older Egyptian tactics obsolete; Isaiah’s listeners would know this, underscoring the folly of trusting outdated weapons. • Fortified capitals: Assyrian inscriptions boast of turning cities into “mounds of ruins,” yet Jerusalem survived—an archaeological anomaly that matches the biblical narrative. Archaeological Insights • Lachish Reliefs (British Museum): Carved panels from Sennacherib’s palace show the 701 BC campaign and Judahite captives, confirming the pressure Judah felt when Isaiah spoke. • Egyptian Horse Skeletons: Burials at sites such as Tell el-Borg indicate selective breeding for size, but still no match for Assyrian siege engines. • Hezekiah’s Tunnel & Broad Wall in Jerusalem: Defensive works from the period testify that the king prepared militarily yet ultimately saw God deliver the city without a battle inside its walls. Links to Other Scriptures • Psalm 20:7 – “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” • Deuteronomy 17:16 – Israel’s king warned not to “multiply horses” or return to Egypt. • 2 Kings 19:35 – Assyria’s army destroyed by the angel of the LORD. • Hosea 7:11 – Ephraim compared to a “silly dove” seeking Egypt’s help. • Matthew 23:37 – Jesus longs to gather Jerusalem’s children “as a hen gathers her chicks,” echoing Isaiah’s hovering-bird imagery. • Ephesians 6:10–17 – New-covenant believers are called to depend on God’s armor, not human strength. Theological Takeaways for Today 1. Misplaced trust remains deadly. Modern “Egypts” can be finances, technology, political alliances, or personal abilities. None are substitutes for seeking God first. 2. God’s protection is both tender and fierce. The same LORD roars like a lion at enemies and flutters like a bird over His people. 3. Idolatry demands decisive action. Judah had to “discard their idols of silver and gold” (v. 7); believers today must ditch whatever rivals God in their hearts. 4. Divine deliverance often arrives in ways no human strategy could predict—“a sword not of man.” Expect the unexpected with God. Practical Applications • Perform a “trust audit”: list where your security lies—bank account, resume, relationships—and consciously re-anchor each item under God’s rule. • Remember past deliverances. Just as Passover language reminded Judah of Egypt, keep testimonies of God’s faithfulness to fuel present faith. • Read Isaiah 36–37 alongside chapter 31 to see promise and fulfillment side by side; it bolsters confidence that God keeps His word. • Replace idols by actively investing time, resources, and affection in the Lord—what Tim Keller called “reordering loves.” • When facing overwhelming odds, pray Isaiah 31:5 aloud: “The LORD of Hosts will shield, deliver, pass over, and preserve.” Concluding Snapshot Isaiah 31 invites God’s people to quit flirting with worldly safety nets and rediscover the blazing, personal care of the LORD of Hosts. Egypt’s horsepower, Assyria’s iron horsepower, or any modern equivalent will fail. But the Holy One who roars and hovers, who shields and preserves, still says, “Return to Me,” and still topples giants “by a sword not of man.” Connections to Additional Scriptures Psalm 20:7 Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Jeremiah 17:5-7 Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind, who makes the flesh his strength and turns his heart from the LORD. Teaching Points The Futility of Trusting in Human Power Isaiah 31:1 warns, Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the abundance of chariots and in the great strength of horsemen, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel or seek the LORD! This verse highlights the danger of relying on worldly power instead of God. God’s Superiority Over Human Strength Verses 2-3 emphasize that God is wise and will bring disaster on those who rely on human strength. Yet He too is wise and can bring disaster; He does not retract His words. He will rise up against the house of the wicked and against the allies of evildoers. The Promise of Divine Protection In verse 5, God promises protection, Like birds hovering overhead, the LORD of Hosts will shield Jerusalem; He will protect and deliver it; He will pass over and preserve it. Call to Repentance Verse 6 calls the Israelites to return to God, Return to the One against whom you have so blatantly rebelled, O children of Israel. Practical Applications Evaluate Your Trust Regularly assess where you place your trust. Are you relying on your own abilities or worldly resources more than on God? Seek God’s Wisdom In times of trouble, seek God’s guidance and wisdom rather than turning to human solutions first. Embrace God’s Protection Trust in God’s promise to protect and deliver you, just as He promised to shield Jerusalem. Repent and Return If you find yourself straying from God, take the opportunity to repent and return to Him, acknowledging His sovereignty and grace. People 1. The Egyptians The Egyptians are mentioned as a people whom the Israelites are tempted to rely on for military aid. The text warns against trusting in Egypt's chariots and horsemen, emphasizing that they are mere humans and not God. The Hebrew term for Egyptians is "מִצְרִים" (Mitzrayim). 2. The Israelites While not explicitly named as "Israelites" in this chapter, the people of Israel are the implied audience being addressed. They are warned against seeking help from Egypt and are encouraged to return to the Lord. The Hebrew term for Israel is "יִשְׂרָאֵל" (Yisra'el). 3. The LORD (Yahweh) The LORD is depicted as the ultimate protector and deliverer of Israel. The chapter emphasizes that God is the one who should be trusted for salvation and protection, rather than human powers. The Hebrew name for the LORD is "יהוה" (YHWH). 4. The Assyrians The Assyrians are mentioned as a threat to Israel, representing the enemy that God will ultimately defeat. The text assures that the Assyrians will fall by a sword not of man, highlighting divine intervention. The Hebrew term for Assyrians is "אַשּׁוּר" (Ashur). Places 1. Egypt In Isaiah 31, Egypt is mentioned as a place that the Israelites are tempted to rely on for military assistance against their enemies. The chapter warns against this reliance, emphasizing that Egypt, despite its strength, is merely human and not divine. The Hebrew root for Egypt is "מִצְרַיִם" (Mitzrayim), which often symbolizes worldly power and reliance on human strength rather than on God. 2. Zion Zion is referenced as the place where the Lord will protect and defend His people. It symbolizes the spiritual center of God's presence and His covenant with Israel. In the Hebrew text, Zion is "צִיּוֹן" (Tziyon), representing not just a physical location but also the spiritual heart of the nation where God’s presence dwells. Events 1. Woe to Those Who Rely on Egypt The chapter begins with a warning against seeking help from Egypt. "Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the abundance of chariots and in the great strength of horsemen, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel or seek the LORD!" (Isaiah 31:1). The Hebrew root for "woe" (אוֹי, 'oy) conveys a deep lament or warning. 2. The LORD's Wisdom and Judgment God is described as wise and capable of bringing disaster. "Yet He too is wise and can bring disaster; He does not retract His words. He will rise up against the house of the wicked and against the allies of evildoers" (Isaiah 31:2). The Hebrew word for "wise" (חָכָם, chakam) emphasizes God's perfect wisdom. 3. The Futility of Trusting in Man The text highlights the futility of relying on human strength. "But the Egyptians are men, not God; their horses are flesh, not spirit. When the LORD stretches out His hand, those who help will stumble, and those who are helped will fall; both will perish together" (Isaiah 31:3). The contrast between "flesh" (בָּשָׂר, basar) and "spirit" (רוּחַ, ruach) underscores the limitations of human power. 4. The LORD Will Defend Jerusalem God promises to protect Jerusalem. "For this is what the LORD has said to me: 'As a lion growls, a great lion over its prey—and though a band of shepherds is called together against it, it is not terrified by their shouts or disturbed by their clamor—so the LORD of Hosts will come down to do battle on Mount Zion and its heights'" (Isaiah 31:4). The imagery of a lion (אַרְיֵה, aryeh) signifies strength and protection. 5. The Call to Return to God The people are urged to return to God. "Return to the One against whom you have so blatantly rebelled, O children of Israel" (Isaiah 31:6). The Hebrew root for "return" (שׁוּב, shuv) is often used in the context of repentance. 6. The Destruction of Idols A future time is foretold when idols will be abandoned. "For in that day every one of you will reject the idols of silver and gold your own hands have sinfully made" (Isaiah 31:7). The Hebrew word for "idols" (אֱלִילִים, elilim) often refers to worthless or powerless objects of worship. 7. The Fall of Assyria The chapter concludes with a prophecy of Assyria's downfall. "Assyria will fall by a sword not of man; a sword not of mortals will devour them. They will flee before the sword, and their young men will be put to forced labor" (Isaiah 31:8). The emphasis on a "sword not of man" (חֶרֶב לֹא אִישׁ, cherev lo ish) indicates divine intervention. Lessons from Isaiah 31 1. Trust in the Lord, Not in Human Strength In Isaiah 31:1, we are reminded, "Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the abundance of chariots and in the great strength of horsemen, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel or seek the LORD!" This verse encourages us to place our trust in God rather than in human power or resources. When we rely on God, we tap into an infinite source of strength and wisdom that far surpasses any earthly power. 2. God’s Wisdom Surpasses All Understanding Isaiah 31:2 tells us, "Yet He too is wise and brings disaster; He does not call back His words." This verse highlights that God's wisdom is beyond our comprehension. His plans are perfect, and His words are true. When we align our lives with His wisdom, we find peace and direction, knowing that His ways are higher than ours. 3. The Futility of Relying on Worldly Alliances The chapter warns against forming alliances that exclude God. In Isaiah 31:3, it states, "The Egyptians are men, not God; their horses are flesh, not spirit." This serves as a reminder that worldly alliances and material resources are temporary and unreliable. True security comes from a relationship with God, who is eternal and unchanging. 4. God’s Protection is Unmatched Isaiah 31:4-5 paints a vivid picture of God’s protection: "As a lion growls, a great lion over its prey... so the LORD of Hosts will come down to do battle on Mount Zion and its heights." Just as a lion fiercely protects its territory, God fiercely protects His people. When we are under His care, we can rest assured that we are safe and secure. 5. Repentance Leads to Restoration In Isaiah 31:6, we are called to "Return to the One against whom you have so greatly rebelled, O children of Israel." This is a powerful reminder that no matter how far we stray, God is always ready to welcome us back with open arms. Repentance is the key to restoring our relationship with Him and experiencing His grace and mercy. 6. Idols Cannot Save Isaiah 31:7 declares, "For in that day every one of you will reject the idols of silver and gold your own hands have sinfully made." This verse emphasizes the futility of idols—anything we place above God in our lives. True fulfillment and salvation come only from God, not from the things we create or accumulate. 7. God’s Judgment is Just and Righteous The chapter assures us that God’s judgment is both just and righteous. Isaiah 31:8 states, "Assyria will fall by a sword that is not of man; a sword not of mortals will devour them." This reminds us that God’s justice will prevail, and His judgments are executed with perfect righteousness. We can trust that He will right every wrong in His perfect timing. 8. God’s Presence Brings Peace Isaiah 31:9 concludes with, "Their stronghold will fall because of terror; at the sight of the battle standard their commanders will panic." This verse illustrates that God’s presence brings peace and stability. When we invite Him into our lives, His presence dispels fear and brings a sense of calm and assurance. 9. The Power of Divine Intervention Throughout Isaiah 31, we see the power of divine intervention. God steps in to protect and deliver His people, demonstrating that His power is unmatched. When we face challenges, we can call upon God, knowing that He is able and willing to intervene on our behalf. 10. The Call to Seek God First Finally, Isaiah 31 encourages us to seek God first in all things. By prioritizing our relationship with Him, we align ourselves with His will and purpose. As Matthew 6:33 echoes, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you." When we put God first, everything else falls into place. Topics 1. Woe to Those Who Rely on Egypt Isaiah 31:1 warns against seeking help from Egypt, emphasizing reliance on human strength rather than divine power. The Hebrew word "הוֹי" (hoy) is used here, often translated as "woe," indicating a lament or warning. The verse states: "Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the abundance of chariots and in the great strength of horsemen, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel or seek the LORD." 2. The LORD's Wisdom and Judgment In Isaiah 31:2, the LORD's wisdom and ability to bring disaster are highlighted. The Hebrew root "חָכָם" (chakam) refers to wisdom, underscoring God's superior understanding and judgment. The verse reads: "Yet He too is wise and brings disaster; He does not call back His words. He will rise up against the house of the wicked and against the allies of evildoers." 3. The Futility of Trusting in Man Isaiah 31:3 contrasts the mortality of humans with the eternal nature of God. The Hebrew word "אָדָם" (adam) signifies man, emphasizing human frailty. The verse states: "The Egyptians are men and not God; their horses are flesh and not spirit. When the LORD stretches out His hand, those who help will stumble, and those who are helped will fall; all will perish together." 4. The LORD as a Protector In Isaiah 31:4-5, the LORD is depicted as a lion and a bird, symbolizing His protective nature over Jerusalem. The Hebrew word "גִּבּוֹר" (gibbor) can be associated with strength or might, reflecting God's powerful protection. Verses 4-5 say: "For this is what the LORD has said to me: 'As a lion growls, a great lion over its prey—and though a band of shepherds is called out against it, it is not frightened by their shouts or disturbed by their clamor—so the LORD of Hosts will come down to do battle on Mount Zion and its heights. Like birds hovering overhead, so will the LORD of Hosts protect Jerusalem; He will shield and deliver it; He will pass over and preserve it.'" 5. Call to Repentance Isaiah 31:6 calls the people to return to God, emphasizing repentance. The Hebrew root "שׁוּב" (shuv) means to return or repent, highlighting the need for turning back to God. The verse reads: "Return to the One against whom you have so blatantly rebelled, O children of Israel." 6. The Downfall of Idolatry In Isaiah 31:7, the rejection of idols is foretold, indicating a future turning away from false gods. The Hebrew word "אֱלִיל" (elil) refers to idols, underscoring their worthlessness. The verse states: "For in that day every one of you will reject the idols of silver and gold your own hands have sinfully made." 7. The LORD's Victory over Assyria Isaiah 31:8-9 prophesies the defeat of Assyria by divine intervention. The Hebrew word "חֶרֶב" (cherev) means sword, symbolizing God's judgment. The verses read: "Then the Assyrian will fall by a sword not of man; a sword not of mortals will devour him. He will flee from the sword, and his young men will be put to forced labor. His rock will pass away in terror, and his princes will panic at the sight of the battle standard,' declares the LORD, whose fire is in Zion, whose furnace is in Jerusalem." Themes 1. Reliance on Human Strength vs. Divine Power Isaiah 31:1 warns against relying on human strength and military power, such as horses and chariots, instead of trusting in the Lord. The Hebrew word for "rely" (שָׁעַן, sha'an) emphasizes the act of leaning on or trusting in something for support. The verse states, "Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the abundance of chariots and in the great strength of horsemen, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel or seek the LORD." 2. God’s Wisdom and Judgment The passage highlights God's wisdom and His ability to bring about judgment. Isaiah 31:2 says, "Yet He too is wise and can bring disaster; He does not retract His words. He will rise up against the house of the wicked and against the allies of evildoers." The Hebrew root for "wise" (חָכָם, chakam) underscores God's perfect understanding and discernment. 3. The Futility of Human Alliances The chapter emphasizes the futility of forming alliances with nations like Egypt for protection. Isaiah 31:3 states, "But the Egyptians are men, not God; their horses are flesh, not spirit. When the LORD stretches out His hand, those who help will stumble, and those who are helped will fall; all will perish together." This highlights the contrast between human limitations and divine omnipotence. 4. God’s Protection of Jerusalem Isaiah 31:4-5 uses imagery to describe God's protection over Jerusalem, likening it to a lion defending its prey and birds hovering over their nest. Verse 5 says, "Like birds hovering overhead, so will the LORD of Hosts protect Jerusalem; He will shield and deliver it; He will pass over and preserve it." The Hebrew word for "protect" (גָּנַן, ganan) conveys the idea of covering or defending. 5. Call to Repentance The chapter calls for repentance and a return to God. Isaiah 31:6 urges, "Return to the One against whom you have so blatantly rebelled, O children of Israel." The Hebrew root for "return" (שׁוּב, shuv) is often used in the context of repentance, indicating a turning back to God. 6. The Downfall of Idolatry Isaiah 31:7 speaks of the rejection of idols, stating, "For in that day every one of you will reject the idols of silver and gold your own hands have sinfully made." This theme underscores the need to abandon false gods and return to worshiping the true God. 7. The Defeat of Assyria The chapter concludes with a prophecy of Assyria's defeat, emphasizing God's power to protect His people. Isaiah 31:8-9 declares, "Then Assyria will fall by a sword not of man; a sword not of mortals will devour them. They will flee before the sword, and their young men will be put to forced labor." This highlights God's sovereignty and ability to deliver His people without human intervention. Prayer Points Pray for Trust in God Ask God to help you place your trust in Him rather than in worldly powers or your own strength. Seek God’s Guidance Pray for wisdom and discernment to seek God’s guidance in all decisions and challenges. Repentance and Return Pray for a heart of repentance and a willingness to return to God whenever you stray from His path. Protection and Deliverance Thank God for His promise of protection and deliverance, and pray for His continued presence in your life. Answering Tough Questions 1. In Isaiah 31:1, how can we trust in God’s power over Egypt’s military might when historical records often highlight Egypt’s formidable chariots and armies? 2. Isaiah 31:3 mentions Egypt’s mortal nature—why then does archaeological evidence show Egyptian influence persisting long after this prophecy implied vulnerability? 3. In Isaiah 31:5, the idea of God defending Jerusalem “like birds hovering” seems miraculous—where is the historical or archaeological proof that such protection ever occurred? 4. Isaiah 31:8 predicts the Assyrian downfall but doesn’t detail the actual historical cause—why is there no clear reference to the specific events that led to Assyria’s decline? 5. How do we reconcile Isaiah 31's call to trust God over foreign alliances with other passages where God uses pagan nations for His purposes? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does Isaiah's message about trusting in God instead of earthly powers apply to your life today? 2. Can you think of a situation where you relied on human aid instead of trusting in God? What was the outcome? 3. How does the imagery of God as a lion and bird protecting Jerusalem speak to you personally? 4. How does Isaiah 31 challenge your understanding of where true security comes from? 5. Can you identify any "Egypt" in your life—areas where you're seeking help outside of God? How can you begin to shift your reliance to God in these areas? 6. How do the people of Judah's idols correlate with modern day "idols"? Are there any "idols" in your life you need to abandon? 7. Isaiah calls for a return to God. What does "returning to God" look like in your life? 8. How does Isaiah's prophecy of Assyria's fall instill a sense of divine justice? 9. What can we learn from the reaction of the Assyrians when faced with the "sword of God"? 10. How do the themes of repentance and deliverance in Isaiah 31 resonate with you personally? 11. In what ways can Isaiah 31's message influence your faith and spiritual journey? 12. How can you apply the teachings of Isaiah 31 to your relationships, job, or other areas of your life? 13. What lessons can political leaders today learn from Isaiah 31's warning against reliance on military might? 14. How does this chapter challenge the contemporary notion of self-reliance or independence? 15. How does Isaiah 31 encourage you in moments of fear or uncertainty? 16. What insights does Isaiah 31 offer about God's character and His plans for His people? 17. Can you think of ways in which society may be placing too much trust in human strength rather than in God? 18. How does Isaiah's call to abandon idols relate to your understanding of false faith? 19. What steps can you take to deepen your trust in God, as Isaiah 31 encourages? 20. How can the prophecy of Judah's salvation in Isaiah 31 inspire hope in your present circumstances? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions