“Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the multitude of their chariots and in the great strength of their horsemen, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel, or seek help from the Lord.”

“But the Egyptians are mere mortals and not God; their horses are flesh and not  spirit.”  Isaiah 31:1, 3

The Jews were in great distress. They hankered after the glories and strength of ancient King David but were now being cowered by powerful neighbors whose armies they could not even dream of defeating.  They also felt that God was letting them down even though they continued to offer sacrifices and so on. Isaiah laid that bare, “The Lord says: ‘These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is based on merely human rules they have been taught.’” Isaiah 29:33

What should they do in their weakened state?  It seems as though they had no regrets about their disregard for God nor were they prepared to repent of their ways and turn to Him.  Many at the time believed that the only way to survive as a nation was to ask Egypt to save them!  In fact, many Jews moved to Egypt for that very reason.

Isaiah, as stated in our text above, warned the people that they are actually bringing calamity on themselves by abandoned any hope that God is in reality their King and that he is compassionate and loving.

God’s prophet suggested that the Jews pray this prayer, “Be gracious to us; we long for you.  Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress.” The Lord is exalted, for he dwells on high; he will fill Zion with his justice and righteousness.  He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.”  Isaiah 33:1, 5, 6

As I reflect on the mood of today in our land, I see the need of this prophecy.  A pessimism hangs over many, maybe the majority. They seem to be looking to some kind of Egypt to solve their problem, instead of repenting and then humbly serving God, the Ruler of All. Sometimes we are tempted to believe that the answers to our distress are to be found in politics, economics, education, culture and a national defense that will always defeat all enemies.

We hear the voice of our Lord, “He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge.”  Why should we turn our backs on the One who loves us, saves us and keeps us every day?