Isaiah 31 :: New Living Translation (NLT)

The Futility of Relying on Egypt

Isa 31:1What sorrow awaits those who look to Egypt for help,
trusting their horses, chariots, and charioteers
and depending on the strength of human armies
instead of looking to the LORD,
the Holy One of Israel.

Isa 31:2

Isa 31:2In his wisdom, the LORD will send great disaster;
he will not change his mind.
He will rise against the wicked
and against their helpers.

Isa 31:3

Isa 31:3For these Egyptians are mere humans, not God!
Their horses are puny flesh, not mighty spirits!
When the LORD raises his fist against them,
those who help will stumble,
and those being helped will fall.
They will all fall down and die together.

Isa 31:4

Isa 31:4But this is what the LORD has told me:
“When a strong young lion
stands growling over a sheep it has killed,
it is not frightened by the shouts and noise
of a whole crowd of shepherds.
In the same way, the LORD of Heaven’s Armies
will come down and fight on Mount Zion.

Isa 31:5

Isa 31:5The LORD of Heaven’s Armies will hover over Jerusalem
and protect it like a bird protecting its nest.
He will defend and save the city;
he will pass over it and rescue it.”

Isa 31:6

Isa 31:6Though you are such wicked rebels, my people, come and return to the LORD.

Isa 31:7

Isa 31:7I know the glorious day will come when each of you will throw away the gold idols and silver images your sinful hands have made.

Isa 31:8

Isa 31:8“The Assyrians will be destroyed,
but not by the swords of men.
The sword of God will strike them,
and they will panic and flee.
The strong young Assyrians
will be taken away as captives.

Isa 31:9

Isa 31:9Even the strongest will quake with terror,
and princes will flee when they see your battle flags,”
says the LORD, whose fire burns in Zion,
whose flame blazes from Jerusalem.

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