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!

Isaiah 31:1

Explanation:
In this week’s text we start out with a very definitive statement, that must be read all the way through to make a proper interpretation. God, through the mouth of the prophet Isaiah pronounces “woe” or doom, danger, and destruction to a certain kind of person with a specific kind of thinking.

Who is the one in danger? Notice the list of characteristics given in this text of the person who is in danger:
• Those who rely on Egypt
• Stay on horses
• Trust in chariots
• Count the number
• Trust in horseman
There is a way of thinking that suggests that man’s plans, man’s strength, man’s strategies, man’s inventions, and the like are worth putting all your trust and confidence. The issue is not with having plans, strategies, or inventions. The issue with God is mentioned at the end of the verse when it says, “…but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, nor trust in God.” Ultimate, eternal security can only be found in the True and Living God of Israel. All other hope is false hope.

Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.

Psalms 20:7

Putting our trust in mortal man at the expense of putting our trust in the eternal True and Living God will always ultimately lead to “woe”, danger, and destruction.

Application:
Certainly, this passage has a national perspective in mind, but it does not disclude this principle being applicable to our own individual lives. Is it wrong to plan or prepare? Of course, it is not. The issue is not having defenses, or a plan. The issue is one of trust. Where is your security? Do you trust in your plan, your weapon, or some temporary man-made factor more than, or instead of trusting in God? Anything that we trust in at the expense of trusting in God becomes an idol competing with God for honor, glory, and worship due solely and exclusively to Him. We ought to plan, but our plans ought to be as unto the Lord. Proverbs 3:5-6 give us wise direction about this very issue.

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. (6) In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Response:
• Are you trusting in something else more than you trust in God?