Matthew Poole and continuators on Isaiah 31:4

4. For thus hath the LORD spoken unto me, Like as the lion and the young lion roaring on his prey , when a multitude of shepheards is called forth against him, he will not be afraid of their voice, nor abase himself for the noise of them, so shall the LORD of hosts come down to fight for mount Zion, and for the hill thereof.

Or, But: or, Nevertheless, as this particle is elsewhere used, as hath been proved before. Although you have done evil in sending to Egypt for help, and they shall not be able to help you; yet the Lord himself will, of His own Grace, and for the Glory of His own Name, give you that Help and Deliverance which you do not deserve, and have no reason to expect from Him. And therefore desist from those evil Counsels and Courses▪ as those which are both unnecessary and pernicious.

When He is ready to seize upon it, and devour it.

It hath been observed of Lions, That when they are pursued, they do not run away with all speed, as other Creatures do, but march away slowly, and make an honourable Retreat.

Although this Hebrew particle might be rendred against; and so this place might be understood of God's fighting against the Iews and Egyptians, of which He speaks, ver. 3. yet it is better rendred, for, as it is taken in many other places, as is manifest from the following similitude and verse.

Marginal references: Or, multitude.