Judah thought that through alliance with Egypt they could overcome Assyria, but the Lord firmly told them that their victory would not be found in the alliance but in their reliance on Him. This is the sure word of the Holy One of Israel. The word of the Lord to Judah was that their sure victory would be through repentance and rest. It would not be found in military campaigns but in turning to trust Him. It would be found in resting and staying quietly confident in God.
However, Judah was not willing to yield themselves to the Lord. Instead of trusting the Lord, they would rather rely on their own strength and the swift horses of Egypt. They believed that they could get away faster with swift horses. Isaiah told them that they would find their pursuer just as swift. The prophet went on further to describe their defeat. So petrified would they be that one man from the enemy camp would be enough to cause a thousand Judeans to flee. They would end up like a staff striped of the flag, a sign of their defeat.
Meanwhile, Isaiah assured Judah that instead of crushing them God was more willing to be gracious. He would patiently show His compassion on them. If they truly repent and turn to trust Him, it was not too late to experience His deliverance.
A passage like this leaves us wondering why Judah chose to remain so defiant despite the generous offer of the gracious God. Why would they turn down such a great offer? Man’s heart is the seat of his personality. That is where our emotions, thoughts, and even our faith and belief originate. It is important that we ensure that we have a pliable heart before God so that we would not resist His best intention for us. That is why we must take seriously the instruction of Proverbs 4:23. “Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life.” Let us be sure to trust the Lord with all our heart. Therein is our strength!
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