Isaiah 31:4-5 – The Lion
In contrast to the foolishness of the people of God putting their trust and their faith in the might and the wisdom of Egypt, we see here God telling them, ‘Trust in me, trust in the Lord, trust in Jehovah.’ We see this in verses 4 and 5. Trust in Him, Who, first, is a strong lion. Despite the fact that the people of Judah and Jerusalem had rejected Him and had gone for the strength of Egypt, the strength of man, because they did not want to trust in Him; though they had been very faithless toward Jehovah; He is the God of covenant. And so, though Israel strays from him, though Judah tries to go its own way, God and His everlasting love will not let go, nor will He ever let go of His people. His people are like little children being held by their parents’ hands, who try to squirm free, who try to break loose, when their parents are trying to keep them from a danger, a very attractive danger perhaps, when they would run to that which would endanger them. God is strong and brave and fierce. And though all the enemies of God and of His people range themselves like shepherds trying to chase off a lion, He is not bothered. He holds on to his prey, the wicked, and destroys them. God would keep His people from being enticed by Egypt. He would fiercely protect them as the lion. He would defend them against Assyria and all the enemies of His true people. He would do that. It was his will to do so, and He could do so. There is no lion like Him – the lion of the tribe of Judah, the Lord Jesus Christ. The greatest multitude could not and cannot withstand him. The greatest military powers of the ancient world fell before him, and they continue to do so today.
He is not only a lion, but He is a mighty bird. God is like a parent eagle, shielding the helpless, fighting for and protecting His people, fighting against and driving off the enemy. They were to trust in this great eagle. And we are too – Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever. Jesus remains our strong king. Jesus remains our lion and our eagle. Jesus remains the one in whom we may and must trust.
Questions
- How is God like a lion?
- What will God do for His people?
Prayer Points
- Give thanks for God’s covenant love and faithfulness.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.