Isaiah 31

[San54]

How do you interpret this scripture?
Isaiah 31:1-3
1 Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!
Isaiah 31:1-3
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.
Isaiah 31:1-3
3 Now the Egyptians are men, and not God; and their horses flesh, and not spirit. When the LORD shall stretch out his hand, both he that helpeth shall fall, and he that is holpen shall fall down, and they all shall fail together.

I have unsaved loved ones that are young with a young family.I really tried to help them spiritiually,financially and with prayers and giving of my time.In addition there are other unsaved people I thought that helping them would lead them to Christ.These are ardent church attendees now.
I noticed that they really didn't appreciate the help that they needed and even seemed to resent that God had blessed others to help them.
This verse of scriptures seems to say do not help the house of the evil doer.That includes the entire household.If you disobey you will perish with them.
Thank you for your interpretation and comments.

 

[TimRout]

Be careful to read this (and every) text in its context. Isaiah 31 says nothing about helping an unsaved neighbor, friend, or family member. It speaks directly to the house of Israel and warns them to trust Yahweh, not their political alliance with Egypt.

"When the LORD clenches His fist against them, they will stumble and fall among those they are trying to help." [Isaiah 31:3b/NLT]

This statement is directed against the nation of Egypt alone and must not be applied beyond that context. The lesson here is NOT, "Don't help your unsaved neighbor." The lesson is, "Don't trust in human strength to keep you safe; trust Yahweh!" One can derive a similar understanding from other Scriptures like Zechariah 4:6 or Philippians 3:3.

Hope this helps.

 

[billychum]

I agree with Tim I think you may be missapplying this scripture. But on the other hand it seems to me that you've done what you can and that is to sow good seed.

Billy <><

 

[San54]

Thank both of you .I will continue to study and when I need help I am not to proud to ask.
Ok ,even though this particular passage is for Israel can we glean practical principals from the lessons that God seemed to always be having to teach poor Israel.
Granted I need to study these passages so they are clearer to me.
Do either of you see that God is saying when you continue to support the evil doers house that your support is keeping them from coming to the end of themselves and needing God for help in desperation. You in fact keep them from needing God.Hence we are held responsible for keeping them from recognizing their need for God.So we are punished right along with them because we become a stumbling block.
If not do we only study the word in context?Are we never to see object lessons that apply to us within the context of the lesson?r help Thanks for you

 

[TimRout]

Of course we can learn lessons from the texts dealing with Israel. I never suggested otherwise. Just be sure you're learning the lesson God is teaching.

 

[San54]

Oh I understand and appreciate your help.