Isaiah 31

1 horses . . . chariots . . . horsemen. See notes on Deut. xvii. 16; 1 Kings x. 29.

2. Yet He also is wise. A stroke of refined irony. evil. That is, “calamity”; the punishment, which “His words” had threatened against “the house of evil-doers,” the race of wicked, unbelieving Jews; and against Egypt, whom they regarded as their “help.”

6. Turn ye unto Him. The promises of Divine interposition are here used to enforce repentance.

8 not of a mighty man . . . not of a mean man. The Assyrian army shall be destroyed by God’s direct interposition.

shall be discomfited. Rather, “Shall become enslaved,” “shall become tributary,” R.V.

9. And he shall pass over, etc. Or, “And his rock (i.e., strength—his host) through fear shall pass away, and his princes shall flee from the standard”; representing the remnant of his army, even his generals, as fleeing panic-stricken from their ensigns: see R.V.

whose fire (light) is in Zion. See note on “Ariel,” xxix. 1.