What does it mean in the Bible when it says that "their horses are flesh, and not spirit"?
Isaiah 31:3 Now the Egyptians are men, and not God; And their horses are flesh, and not spirit. When the LORD stretches out His hand, Both he who helps will fall, And he who is helped will fall down; They all will perish together.
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Favorite Answer
It was talking about how Israel shouldn't rely on Egypt because God was going to punish them.
The verse you are talking about is telling them that Egypt is only human and cannot withstand the punishment that God is bringing. Those who try to help Egypt would fall and those that were helped by Egypt would fall. Only those who had separated themselves and trusted God would stand.
Edit*
I didn't see that you wanted us to explain the horses part, haha. Early in Isaiah 31 it talks about how the Egyptians trust "their horses, chariots and charioteers". Here God is saying that their horses are flesh and not spirit - basically, they are trusting in human (or earthly) abilities and will never be able to stand against God.
Teller Of Truths
Showing the sharp distinction between God and men (like the ancient Egyptians) and between spirit and flesh, the prophecy of Isaiah 31:3 discouraged the Israelites from looking to the militarized Egyptians for help, saying: “The Egyptians, though, are earthling men, and not God; and their horses are flesh, and not spirit.” Also, in a direct statement that the heavenly “sons of God” are of a nature distinct from that of man, Psalm 104:1-4 says: “Bless Jehovah, O my soul. O Jehovah my God, you have proved very great. With dignity and splendor you have clothed yourself, enwrapping yourself with light as with a garment, stretching out the heavens like a tent cloth, the One . . . making his angels spirits, his ministers a devouring fire.” Definitely the Sacred Scriptures rule out the religious idea that the heavenly angels include human souls that have been transplanted from earth to the invisible spirit heavens. The spirit “sons of God” were all brothers, all of them being sons of the same heavenly Father.
† John M †
Like the previous woe (Isa_30:1-33) this one was directed against the Egyptian alliance which some people of Judah wanted to make. But this oracle also speaks about the messianic King who will someday deliver His people.
This woe was pronounced on those who went to Egypt for help, and who relied on Egyptian horses and chariots instead of on God. Both actions — going to Egypt and acquiring horses — violated God’s stipulations in the Deuteronomic Covenant (Deu_17:16). Since God does not go back on His words, He would judge the nation for her disobedience. The Egyptians could not help Judah for they were weak men. Only God could ultimately protect them from their enemies. If Judah persisted in seeking an alliance with Egypt, both countries would meet disaster.
Shalom,
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Isaiah 31:1
Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!
Ancient Egypt was the most advanced civilization for its time. They had physicians, surgery, and technology that astounds scientists today. But they were men with limits that did not look to God, They depended on horses for transportation and strength, like we depend on vehicles and machinery. Despite all their knowledge, power, and strength they could not destroy God.
People haven't changed as far as feeling invincible with weapons, bombs, money and power. But when disaster strikes, they fall helpless.
When a fire broke out in that hospital in India, the staff fled the building and left the patients behind to perish. When in dire straits, some flee for their own lives. No amount of knowledge, money or position could have made them give their lives for the sake of others.
God is omnipotent and very compassionate to those who call upon him for help.
Anonymous
Living Translation (©2007)
For these Egyptians are mere humans, not God! Their horses are puny flesh, not mighty spirits! When the LORD raises his fist against them, those who help will stumble, and those being helped will fall. They will all fall down and die together.