What did Isaiah mean by saying that security came from trust in God rather than alliances?

For the prophet Isaiah, security was not a product of military might or political maneuvering, but a gift granted by God to those who lived in accordance with His moral demands. He maintained that because God determines the destiny of nations, relying on ephemeral alliances—such as seeking help from Egypt—was a rejection of divine sovereignty.12

Isaiah’s perspective was rooted in the conviction that the best defense was a "reconciling response to the moral demand," summarized by his teaching: "give rest to the weary". He argued that true security is impossible when some are denied justice, and he consistently urged leaders to prioritize obedience to the Covenant over the accumulation of armaments or reliance on foreign powers.12

Ultimately, Isaiah viewed human allies as "men, and not God," and believed that the nation’s survival depended on returning to the ways acceptable to the Lord. By placing trust in God rather than in the shifting power struggles of the ancient world, Isaiah sought to redirect his people toward a path of justice and divine protection.12