The Prophet and His Day: Isaiah 1-39 - Free Bible Commentary

The second term is the Covenant name for God, “YHWH” (cf. Exod. 3:14). See Special Topic:Names for Deity at 1:1.} “look. . .seek” Both of these VERBS are NEGATED Qal PERFECTS, which denotes a settled condition.1. look (lit. “to gaze at intently”), BDB 1043, KB 1609, cf. 17:7,82. seek, BDB 205, KB 233, cf. 9:13; 55:6; 58:2; 65:10These VERBS denote an intense personal element (cf. Dan. 9:13).31:2 “He also is wise and will bring disaster” The NET Bible sees this as a sarcastic comment aboutJudah’s advisors who are seeking help from Egypt. However, the whole verse, not just the last twolines, speaks of YHWH.} “And does not retract His words” When God speaks, His words can be depended on (cf. Isa. 45:23;55:11; Jer. 44:29).} “will arise” This VERB (BDB 877, KB 1086, Qal PERFECT) is used anthropomorphically of YHWHrising from His throne to do battle on behalf of His people (cf. 14:22) or against His people (cf. Amos7:9). See Special Topic: Anthropomorphic Language Used for God at 6:1.} “the house of evil-doers. . .the workers of iniquity” These two phrases refer to Judah (i.e., “he whois helped,” v. 3e) and her political alliances (i.e., Egypt, “he who helps,” v. 3d).31:3 This is a comparison between the frailty of human beings and the eternality of God (El).Specifically here it may refer to Exod. 14:26-31a.This verse also clearly contrasts God (El) with flesh. God is “spirit” (cf. John 4:24). He can take ahuman form (theophany), but He is spirit and dwells throughout his creation (cf. I Kgs. 8:27; Jer. 23:24).He chooses to fellowship with humble, repentant believers (i.e., Isa. 66:1-2).} “the LORD will stretch out His hand” This is an anthropomorphic idiom of God’s actions. SeeSpecial Topic at 6:1.} “all of them will come to an end together” This VERB (BDB 477, KB 476, Qal IMPERFECT) denotesa complete destruction and end (cf. 1:28; 16:4; 29:20). What looks powerful and long lasting is not!This is similar to the common proverb about the transitoriness of humans as grass (cf. Isa. 40:6-8; Ps.90:5-6; 103:15; 104:14; James 1:10-11; I Pet. 1:24).NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 31:4-54For thus says the LORD to me,"As the lion or the young lion growls over his prey,Against which a band of shepherds is called out,And he will not be terrified at their voice nor disturbed at their noise,So will the LORD of hosts come down to wage war on Mount Zion and on its hill."5Like flying birds so the LORD of hosts will protect Jerusalem.He will protect and deliver it;He will pass over and rescue it.31:4 “the lion” This metaphor seems to describe God as powerful and tenacious over His own specialplace (i.e., temple). If so, it is a reversal of the first strophe (31:1-3).308