This prophecy was given at a time when the Assyrian army was attacking Israel and Judah. The northern kingdom of Israel would be conquered by Assyria, and the people of Israel would be taken into exile. The Assyrians would then come against the southern kingdom of Judah, and because of this threat the leaders of Judah looked to Egypt for protection against the Assyrian invasion.

1. The uselessness of the treaty with Egypt (vs. 1-14)

Isaiah identifies now the policy he has been attacking. He is against having an alliance with Egypt. Compare the expression “the strength of Pharaoh” in verse 2 with Ephesians 6:10-11. When we are willing to trust God, we make the thing we trust, the means of our stumbling (vs. 3).

In verse 4 there is mention of Zoan and Hanes which were two places in Egypt. The Israelites were already having secret negotiations with Egypt. In verse 5 the text puts this in the future. The time is coming when Egypt instead of being a help, is going to bring shame to Israel.

Isaiah speaks of the futility of international alliances in verse 6. “The burden of the beasts of the south” is a picture of an envoy on its way to Egypt with a load of gifts for the Pharaoh of Egypt, so they can get some protection from the Assyrians. This is all for nothing. In verse 7, Isaiah really ridicules the Egyptians. He calls them “arrogant” or “big mouths”. They are all talk and will do nothing to help. In verses 8 and 9, Isaiah speaks about the people who were not prepared to make sure this alliance did not happen. Isaiah writes out in a book and tablet what he has said about Egypt. The people want the Lord to get out of the way. (Vs. 10-11),

God’s reaction now follows in verses 13-14. God says that because of their iniquity for sending this envoy to Egypt and telling God to get out of the way, the enemy will be like a breach in a wall. The wall then begins to lean and then suddenly collapses.

2. The needlessness of the treaty with Egypt (vs. 15-33)

Isaiah gives the people an alternative in these verses. They are to call back their envoy and trust in the Lord. In returning and in rest, shall be their salvation (vs. 15). The comfort of the remnant is given in verses 16-18 Isaiah is talking about the blessing that is going to come in the future in verses 19-26. Verse 21 is a beautiful description of obedience. From verse 27-33 there is mention of judgment upon Assyria. Judah had no business trusting in Egypt for help against the Assyrians, but they should have trusted the Lord instead, because the Lord will take care of the Assyrians. See 2 Kings 19:35. It describes how God simply sent the angel of the Lord, and killed 185,000 Assyrians in one night. When the people woke up, there were 185,000 dead Assyrian soldiers!

Categories: Isaiah