Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley, [1754-65], at sacred-texts.com
Isaiah 31:1
isa 31:1
Horses - For Egypt had many and choice horses.
Isaiah 31:2
isa 31:2
He is safe - You think you are safe, in engaging the Egyptians; but God is not inferior to them in wisdom or strength, and therefore you have done foolishly, in preferring them before him, who will execute his judgments upon you, notwithstanding all the Egyptians can do. The help - The helpers, as it is explained in the next verse.
Isaiah 31:3
isa 31:3
Flesh - Weak and frail.
Isaiah 31:4
isa 31:4
For - Although you have done evil in sending to Egypt for help, yet the Lord himself will, of his own grace, give you that help which you do not deserve.
Isaiah 31:5
isa 31:5
As birds - Which come from above, and so cannot be kept off; which fly swiftly, and engage resolutely, when their young ones are in danger. Passing over - The destroying angel shall pass over Jerusalem.
Isaiah 31:8
isa 31:8
The sword - Not of any man, but of an angel. Discomfited - Heb. shall melt away, a great part of them being destroyed by the angel; and the hearts of the rest melting for fear.
Isaiah 31:9
isa 31:9
He - Sennacherib shall flee away, from Jerusalem, to his strong city of Nineveh. The ensign - Of the Lord's ensign, which he hath lifted up against them. Whose fire - Who is, and will appear to be in Zion, like a fire to defend his people, and to consume their enemies.