A strong faction in Judah advised the king to get help from Egypt (Isa. 31), but Isaiah warned that Egypt could not help them. Why? Because the Lord had discouraged and divided the Egyptians (vv. 1–2), their counsel was from the devil (v. 3), and they were heading for bondage themselves (v. 4). Furthermore, their economy was about to fail (vv. 5–10). How could they help?
The counselors in Egypt were supposed to be very wise, but God said they were deluded fools (vv. 11–13). God’s people get their wisdom from God, not from the world (James 1:5). The wisdom of Egypt would lead them into staggering and humiliating defeat (vv. 14–15).
In verses 16–25, the prophet sees the future of both the Jews and the Egyptians, when the Lord will establish His kingdom. The situation will be reversed, with Egypt turning to Israel for help (vv. 16–17)! In fact, the Egyptians will worship the God of Israel (vv. 18–21)! The nations will no longer battle but will visit one another on God’s highway.
Going Down to Egypt
When Abraham faced a famine in Canaan, he went down to Egypt for help, and he almost lost his wife (Gen. 12:10–13:4). After the Exodus, God led His people so they would not want to go back to Egypt (Exod. 13:17–22). During their wilderness wanderings, the people wanted to go back (Num. 11; 14), but God would not permit it. Isaiah warned against it (32:1ff.), and so did Jeremiah (42–43). The book of Hebrews uses this image to warn believers not to go back in unbelief but to go forward in faith (3:7–19; 6:1).
