Isaiah 31 · Grade 4

Men, and Not God

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Read and Think

Isaiah 31 continues the warning: "Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, and rely on horses, and trust in chariots because they are many." Their mistake was that "they don't look to the Holy One of Israel, and they don't seek Yahweh!"

Isaiah reminds them, "Now the Egyptians are men, and not God; and their horses flesh, and not spirit." When God stretches out his hand, both the helper and the helped will fall. God uses two pictures of himself. Like a lion that is not afraid of shepherds, he would defend Mount Zion. And "As birds hovering, so Yahweh of Armies will protect Jerusalem."

God pleads, "Return to him from whom you have deeply revolted, children of Israel." In that day, people would throw away their idols of silver and gold. Assyria would fall, but not by a human sword.

Show What You Know

What was the people's mistake?
What are the Egyptians and their horses?
Which two pictures does God use of himself?
How would Assyria fall?

Think About It

People trusted horses because they were many and strong. What things do people trust today instead of God?
God protects like birds hovering over their young. How can that picture help you when you feel afraid?

Memory Verse

As birds hovering, so Yahweh of Armies will protect Jerusalem. He will protect and deliver it. He will pass over and preserve it.”

Isaiah 31:5 (WEB)

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Prayer

Dear God, thank You for protecting me. Help me . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

God is wise and does not take back His words. How does that help you trust His promises?
Isaiah warned people who looked everywhere except to the Holy One. Where do you look first when life goes wrong?