Isaiah 31:2

31:2 Yet he too is wise ¹  and he will bring disaster;

he does not retract his decree. ² 

He will attack the wicked nation, ³ 

and the nation that helps ⁴  those who commit sin. ⁵ 

Isaiah 49:4

49:4 But I thought, ⁶  “I have worked in vain;

I have expended my energy for absolutely nothing.” ⁷ 

But the Lord will vindicate me;

my God will reward me. ⁸ 

[31:2]  ¹ sn This statement appears to have a sarcastic tone. The royal advisers who are advocating an alliance with Egypt think they are wise, but the Lord possesses wisdom as well and will thwart their efforts.

[31:2]  ² tn Heb “and he does not turn aside [i.e., “retract”] his words”; NIV “does not take back his words.”

[31:2]  ³ tn Heb “and he will arise against the house of the wicked.”

[31:2]  ⁴ sn That is, Egypt.

[31:2]  ⁵ tn Heb “and against the help of the doers of sin.”

[49:4]  ⁶ tn Or “said” (KJV, NASB, NIV, NRSV); NLT “I replied.”

[49:4]  ⁷ tn Heb “for nothing and emptiness.” Synonyms are combined to emphasize the common idea.

[49:4]  ⁸ tn Heb “But my justice is with the Lord, and my reward [or “wage”] with my God.”