Isaiah 31:3

But 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.

Study Bible

But the Egyptians are men, not God;
This phrase emphasizes the distinction between human power and divine authority. In the historical context, Egypt was a powerful nation, often seen as a source of military aid. However, the Israelites are reminded that the Egyptians, despite their might, are mere mortals. This echoes the biblical theme of reliance on God rather than human strength, as seen in Psalm 118:8-9, which advises trust in the Lord over trust in princes.

their horses are flesh, not spirit.
Horses in ancient times were symbols of military strength and power. The reference to "flesh, not spirit" contrasts the physical, temporary nature of human resources with the eternal, spiritual power of God. This distinction is crucial in understanding the futility of relying on earthly power, as highlighted in Zechariah 4:6, which states that success comes "not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit," says the Lord.

When the LORD stretches out His hand,
The imagery of God stretching out His hand signifies divine intervention and judgment. This phrase is often used in the Old Testament to describe God's active role in delivering or disciplining His people, as seen in Exodus 7:5 during the plagues of Egypt. It underscores God's sovereignty and ability to influence the course of human events.

the helper will stumble,
The "helper" refers to Egypt, which Israel sought for assistance. The prophecy indicates that those who rely on human aid instead of God will find their support unreliable. This is a recurring theme in the Bible, where reliance on foreign alliances often leads to downfall, as illustrated in 2 Chronicles 16:7-9 with King Asa's reliance on the king of Aram.

and the one he helps will fall;
This phrase indicates that not only will the helper (Egypt) fail, but also those who depend on them (Israel). It serves as a warning against misplaced trust and highlights the consequences of not seeking God's guidance. This is consistent with the biblical principle found in Jeremiah 17:5, which warns against trusting in man and turning away from the Lord.

both will perish together.
The ultimate outcome of relying on human strength instead of God is destruction for both parties involved. This reflects the biblical teaching that true security and salvation come only from God. The fate of both the helper and the helped serves as a cautionary tale, reinforcing the message found in Isaiah 30:1-3, where reliance on Egypt is described as a source of shame and disgrace.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Egyptians
A powerful nation known for its military strength and reliance on horses and chariots. In the context of Isaiah, they represent human reliance on worldly power rather than divine support.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The God of Israel, who is sovereign and all-powerful. He contrasts with the Egyptians, emphasizing divine power over human strength.

3. Horses
Symbolic of military might and human strength. In ancient times, horses were a key component of warfare, representing reliance on physical power.

4. Israel
The people of God, who are being warned against seeking alliances with Egypt instead of trusting in the LORD.

5. Isaiah
The prophet delivering God's message, warning Israel of the futility of relying on Egypt for protection.

Teaching Points

Reliance on God vs. Human Strength
Trusting in human power, like the Egyptians' military might, is ultimately futile. True security comes from reliance on God, who is spirit and not limited by physical constraints.

The Consequences of Misplaced Trust
When we place our trust in worldly powers or alliances, we risk stumbling and falling. God's sovereignty means that He alone is the source of true help and protection.

The Sovereignty of God
God's ability to stretch out His hand and cause both the helper and the helped to fall underscores His ultimate control over all nations and powers.

Spiritual vs. Physical Realities
The contrast between flesh and spirit in this verse invites believers to consider the spiritual realities that underpin physical circumstances. Our battles are not merely physical but spiritual.

Faith in Action
This passage challenges believers to examine where they place their trust and encourages a shift from reliance on human solutions to faith in God's provision and protection.

Bible Study Questions

1. What are some modern-day "Egypts" that people might be tempted to rely on instead of God?

2. How does the contrast between "flesh" and "spirit" in this verse challenge your current understanding of where true strength lies?

3. In what ways can you actively shift your trust from human solutions to God's sovereignty in your daily life?

4. How does the theme of God's sovereignty in Isaiah 31:3 connect with the deliverance of Israel in Exodus 15?

5. Reflect on a time when you relied on human strength rather than God's provision. What was the outcome, and what did you learn from that experience?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 20:7
This verse contrasts trust in chariots and horses with trust in the name of the LORD, reinforcing the theme of reliance on God rather than human strength.

Jeremiah 17:5
This passage warns against trusting in man and making flesh one's strength, similar to the warning in Isaiah 31:3.

Exodus 15:1-21
The Song of Moses celebrates God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt, highlighting God's power over human armies.