Isaiah 31:4 - Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible

For; 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 courtels and courses, as those which are both unnecessary and pernicious. Roaring on his prey; when he is ready to seize upon it, and devour it. He will not be afraid of their voice, nor abase himself: 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. For: although this Hebrew particle might be rendered against, and so this place might be understood of God's fighting against the Jews and Egyptians, of which he speaks Isaiah 31:3; yet it is better rendered for, as it is taken in many other places, as is manifest from the following similitude and verse.