Isaiah 31:1, "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!"

When we feel threatened it is natural to look for help.  Such was the case with the people of Israel.  They were threatened by the impending invasion of the Assyrians and turned to Egypt for help.  Egypt has always been a type of the world in Scripture.  Israel is looking in the wrong place for help.  They are looking for the help of man when they should be looking for help from God. 

We are to walk by faith, not by sight.  It is easy to look for tangible human help.  As you can see, Egypt had many horses and chariots.  They also had many strong capable horsemen.

Isaiah spoke of two wrongs in this verse:

• The people failed to look to God and instead looked to man.  The help of man is limited.  The help of God is limitless.  The Christian is to always look to God for his help.

• The people also failed to seek God's counsel.  The word "seek" refers to someone who seeks out with the purpose of enquiring.

The choice is yours, you can depend upon horses, chariots, great numbers of strong men or you can look to God.  Upon whom will you depend?

Psalm 20:6-8, "Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand. Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright."

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1. How does the help of people differ from the help of God?

2. To whom should we turn in time of need? Describe what is involved we seeking help from the Lord.

3. Should we not always want counsel from God rather than from man? How is God’s counsel superior to the counsel of men?