Isaiah 31:2
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Isaiah 31:2
2 Yet he also is wise, and will bring evil, and will not call back his words: but will arise against the house of the evildoers, and against the help of them that work iniquity.
Chapter Context
Isaiah 31 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of discipleship, judgment, mercy. Written during the Assyrian and pre-exilic periods (c. 740-680 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Addressed Judah during Assyria's rise, Babylon's threat, and anticipated restoration.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-9: Development of key themes
This chapter is significant because it establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Isaiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Isaiah 31:2
2 Yet he also is wise, and will bring evil, and will not call back his words: but will arise against the house of the evildoers, and against the help of them that work iniquity.
Analysis
Yet he also is wise (וְגַם־הוּא חָכָם, vegam-hu chakham)—a divine ironic statement: God too possesses חָכְמָה (chokmah, wisdom), just like Egypt's vaunted counselors. And will bring evil, and will not call back his words (וַיָּבֵא רָע וְאֶת־דְּבָרָיו לֹא הֵסִיר, vayave ra ve'et-devaraw lo hesir)—He will bring רָע (ra, evil, calamity) and won't הֵסִיר (hesir, remove, turn back) His words. But will arise against the house of the evildoers, and against the help of them that work iniquity (וְקָם עַל־בֵּית מְרֵעִים וְעַל־עֶזְרַת פֹּעֲלֵי אָוֶן, veqam al-beyt mere'im ve'al-ezrat po'aley aven).
The sarcasm cuts: they trust Egyptian wisdom while ignoring divine wisdom. God's wisdom, unlike human calculation, executes inevitable judgment. When He speaks רָע (ra, disaster), it comes—His דְּבָרִים (devarim, words) are irrevocable. He will קוּם (qum, arise, stand up) against both the מְרֵעִים (mere'im, evildoers) and their helper. Egypt won't escape; aiding rebels against God brings judgment on the helper. Romans 1:32 applies this principle: not only those who practice sin but those who 'have pleasure in them that do them' face condemnation.
Historical Context
Egypt's wisdom was legendary—Joseph encountered it (Genesis 41:8), Moses was educated in it (Acts 7:22). Yet divine wisdom infinitely surpasses human. When Assyria invaded, Egypt's help proved worthless (2 Kings 18:21). Later, both Judah and Egypt fell to Babylon. God's word came to pass; Egyptian counsel failed. James 1:5 contrasts worldly wisdom with wisdom from God.
Reflection
- How do we sometimes act as if God's wisdom is inferior to human expertise or worldly counsel?
- What does it mean that God 'will not call back his words'—His promises and warnings are certain?
- How should knowing that God judges both evildoers and their helpers affect our alliances and partnerships?
Word Studies
- Word: דָּבָר (Davar) H1697 - Word, thing, matter
Cross-References
- Resurrection: Zephaniah 3:8
- Evil: Isaiah 45:7, Amos 3:6
- Word: Matthew 24:35
- Parallel theme: Numbers 23:19, Jeremiah 10:12, Romans 16:27, Jude 1:25