Isaiah 31:5, commentary and pictures

As birds flying, so the LORD of hosts will defend Jerusalem, and in defending will deliver it, and in passing over will preserve it. The promise belongs to a description of the Lord coming down to fight for Jerusalem, and its language is figurative in connection with that millennial setting. It stands among the mighty prophecies of the near and distant future in the first part of Isaiah, joined to strong denunciations of Ephraim and Judah and looking forward to the coming and reign of Christ. It stands in chapters 28-31, which give mighty lessons against trusting in men and vividly portray human frailty. It belongs to the prophecies concerning Israel in Isaiah 28 to 33, where Israel is typical of conditions in the Christian age.

In its immediate setting it condemns Israel's rebellion in forsaking God and warns Judah against seeking Egypt's help against Assyria, pointing instead to the Lord's protection. It was fulfilled when the Lord delivered Jerusalem from Sennacherib's threat, with the Assyrian army struck while away from the city, just as Isaiah had said it would not come against Jerusalem. It shows that the Lord is ready and able to defend and preserve His people when they trust in Him.

It reveals a love that aggressively fights for the sinner against all the powers of darkness and guards His children from evil influences, giving courage to every tried soul. As mother birds flying to their brood would put their own life between their young and a wild animal, so God in gentle yet strong love defends His people against any odds, having tasted the joy of redeeming them. This defending love has been the motive power of the conflict with the forces of evil ever since the original rebellion in heaven, because love cannot compromise with evil. Seeking support from civil power repeats the same unfaithfulness as seeking help from Egypt.