Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness which they have prescribed;
To turn aside the needy from judgment, and to take away the right from the poor of my people, that widows may be their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless!
And what will ye do in the day of visitation, and in the desolation which shall come from far? to whom will ye flee for help? and where will ye leave your glory?
Without me they shall bow down under the prisoners, and they shall fall under the slain. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.
O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand is mine indignation.
I will send him against an hypocritical nation, and against the people of my wrath will I give him a charge, to take the spoil, and to take the prey, and to tread them down like the mire of the streets.
Howbeit he meaneth not so, neither doth his heart think so; but it is in his heart to destroy and cut off nations not a few.
For he saith, Are not my princes altogether kings?
Is not Calno as Carchemish? is not Hamath as Arpad? is not Samaria as Damascus?
As my hand hath found the kingdoms of the idols, and whose graven images did excel them of Jerusalem and of Samaria;
Shall I not, as I have done unto Samaria and her idols, so do to Jerusalem and her idols?
Wherefore it shall come to pass, that when the Lord hath performed his whole work upon mount Zion and on Jerusalem, I will punish the fruit of the stout heart of the king of Assyria, and the glory of his high looks.
For he saith, By the strength of my hand I have done it, and by my wisdom; for I am prudent: and I have removed the bounds of the people, and have robbed their treasures, and I have put down the inhabitants like a valiant man:
And my hand hath found as a nest the riches of the people: and as one gathereth eggs that are left, have I gathered all the earth; and there was none that moved the wing, or opened the mouth, or peeped.
Shall the axe boast itself against him that heweth therewith? or shall the saw magnify itself against him that shaketh it? as if the rod should shake itself against them that lift it up, or as if the staff should lift up itself, as if it were no wood.
Therefore shall the Lord, the Lord of hosts, send among his fat ones leanness; and under his glory he shall kindle a burning like the burning of a fire.
And the light of Israel shall be for a fire, and his Holy One for a flame: and it shall burn and devour his thorns and his briers in one day;
And shall consume the glory of his forest, and of his fruitful field, both soul and body: and they shall be as when a standardbearer fainteth.
And the rest of the trees of his forest shall be few, that a child may write them.
And it shall come to pass in that day, that the remnant of Israel, and such as are escaped of the house of Jacob, shall no more again stay upon him that smote them; but shall stay upon the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, in truth.
The remnant shall return, even the remnant of Jacob, unto the mighty God.
For though thy people Israel be as the sand of the sea, yet a remnant of them shall return: the consumption decreed shall overflow with righteousness.
For the Lord God of hosts shall make a consumption, even determined, in the midst of all the land.
Therefore thus saith the Lord God of hosts, O my people that dwellest in Zion, be not afraid of the Assyrian: he shall smite thee with a rod, and shall lift up his staff against thee, after the manner of Egypt.
For yet a very little while, and the indignation shall cease, and mine anger in their destruction.
And the Lord of hosts shall stir up a scourge for him according to the slaughter of Midian at the rock of Oreb: and as his rod was upon the sea, so shall he lift it up after the manner of Egypt.
And it shall come to pass in that day, that his burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing.
He is come to Aiath, he is passed to Migron; at Michmash he hath laid up his carriages:
They are gone over the passage: they have taken up their lodging at Geba; Ramah is afraid; Gibeah of Saul is fled.
Lift up thy voice, O daughter of Gallim: cause it to be heard unto Laish, O poor Anathoth.
Madmenah is removed; the inhabitants of Gebim gather themselves to flee.
As yet shall he remain at Nob that day: he shall shake his hand against the mount of the daughter of Zion, the hill of Jerusalem.
Behold, the Lord, the Lord of hosts, shall lop the bough with terror: and the high ones of stature shall be hewn down, and the haughty shall be humbled.
And he shall cut down the thickets of the forest with iron, and Lebanon shall fall by a mighty one.
Isaiah 10 focuses on God's judgment, not only on Israel for their social injustices and idolatry but also on Assyria, the very instrument God uses to execute His judgment. The chapter reveals God's sovereignty, human responsibility, and the promise of a remnant that will ultimately trust in the Lord. This chapter, therefore, provides a profound lesson on humility, justice, and the enduring faithfulness of God.
Woe to the Oppressors (Isaiah 10:1-4)
The chapter opens with a stinging indictment against the leaders of Israel and Judah. "Woe to those who decree unjust statutes, and write oppressive decrees" (Isaiah 10:1). These leaders are condemned for twisting the law to exploit the vulnerable: the poor, the widows, and the fatherless (Isaiah 10:2). They legislate injustice, ensuring that the needy have no recourse. This deliberate oppression reveals a deep corruption within the heart of the nation.
Isaiah then poses a piercing question: "What will you do in the day of punishment, and in the devastation which will come from afar?" (Isaiah 10:3). When God's judgment arrives, their ill-gotten wealth will offer no protection. They will be humbled, forced to join the captives or fall in defeat (Isaiah 10:4). This serves as a stark warning: earthly power and riches are fleeting and ultimately powerless against divine judgment. God expects His people to demonstrate righteousness and justice, especially towards the marginalized. The church today should lead the way in caring for the poor and advocating for the oppressed, mirroring the heart of God.
Assyria: The Rod of God's Anger (Isaiah 10:5-19)
God declares that Assyria is the "rod of my anger" (Isaiah 10:5), an instrument used to punish a "godless nation" (Isaiah 10:6), referring to Israel and Judah. God commissions Assyria to plunder and oppress His people, using them as a tool to bring about correction.
However, the king of Assyria has his own agenda. He doesn't see himself as serving God's purposes. Instead, he is driven by a lust for power and conquest, aiming to "destroy and cut off many nations" (Isaiah 10:7). He boasts of his military might and the fall of other nations' gods, believing that Jerusalem will be no different (Isaiah 10:8-11). This is a critical point: God can use even the wicked to accomplish His will, but their own sin and arrogance will not go unpunished.
This section highlights the mysterious interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. As Joseph said to his brothers in Genesis 50:20, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good." God is always working behind the scenes to accomplish His purposes, even through the actions of those with evil intentions.
Isaiah mocks the Assyrian king's arrogance. "Is the axe to boast itself over him who chops with it? Is the saw to exalt itself over him who wields it?" (Isaiah 10:15). Assyria is merely a tool in God's hand, and its pride will be its downfall. The Lord will send a wasting disease upon the Assyrian army, consuming their strength and leaving only a remnant (Isaiah 10:16-19). The "Light of Israel will become a fire, and his Holy One a flame" (Isaiah 10:17), consuming the thorns and briers of Assyria's might.
A Remnant Shall Return (Isaiah 10:20-23)
Amidst the judgment, there is a glimmer of hope. Isaiah prophesies that "in that day the remnant of Israel, and those of the house of Jacob who have escaped, will never again rely on him who struck them, but will rely on the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, in truth" (Isaiah 10:20). This remnant will turn away from seeking help from foreign powers and instead place their trust solely in God.
This remnant, though small, represents the hope for the future. "A remnant will return, the remnant of Jacob, to the mighty God" (Isaiah 10:21). God's judgment is not meant to annihilate but to refine and restore. However, the destruction is also certain. "For the Lord God of hosts will make a full end, as decreed, in the midst of all the earth" (Isaiah 10:23).
Comfort and Warning (Isaiah 10:24-34)
Isaiah offers comfort to the people of Zion, urging them not to fear the Assyrians (Isaiah 10:24). God's anger will soon turn away from Israel and be directed towards their oppressors. He will break the yoke of Assyria, just as He delivered them from Egypt in the past (Isaiah 10:26).
The final verses paint a vivid picture of the Assyrian army advancing towards Jerusalem (Isaiah 10:28-32). They move from city to city, striking fear in the hearts of the inhabitants. However, the chapter concludes with a powerful image of God's judgment upon the Assyrian army: "See, the Lord, the Lord of hosts, will lop off the boughs with terrifying power; the great in height will be hewn down, and the lofty will be brought low. He will cut down the thickets of the forest with an iron axe, and Lebanon will fall by the Majestic One" (Isaiah 10:33-34).
This dramatic conclusion underscores the ultimate power and sovereignty of God. No matter how mighty the enemy, God can bring them down in an instant. The imagery of a forest being cleared with an axe emphasizes the completeness of God's judgment.
Isaiah 10 reminds us that God is just and will hold both individuals and nations accountable for their actions. While judgment is a reality, so is God's mercy and faithfulness. He will always preserve a remnant, a people who trust in Him and reflect His character to the world. The chapter calls us to examine our own hearts, ensuring that we are not oppressing others or relying on earthly power but instead seeking justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with our God.
Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness which they have prescribed;
To turn aside the needy from judgment, and to take away the right from the poor of my people, that widows may be their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless!
And what will ye do in the day of visitation, and in the desolation which shall come from far? to whom will ye flee for help? and where will ye leave your glory?
Without me they shall bow down under the prisoners, and they shall fall under the slain. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.
O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand is mine indignation.
I will send him against an hypocritical nation, and against the people of my wrath will I give him a charge, to take the spoil, and to take the prey, and to tread them down like the mire of the streets.
Howbeit he meaneth not so, neither doth his heart think so; but it is in his heart to destroy and cut off nations not a few.
For he saith, Are not my princes altogether kings?
Is not Calno as Carchemish? is not Hamath as Arpad? is not Samaria as Damascus?
As my hand hath found the kingdoms of the idols, and whose graven images did excel them of Jerusalem and of Samaria;
Shall I not, as I have done unto Samaria and her idols, so do to Jerusalem and her idols?
Wherefore it shall come to pass, that when the Lord hath performed his whole work upon mount Zion and on Jerusalem, I will punish the fruit of the stout heart of the king of Assyria, and the glory of his high looks.
For he saith, By the strength of my hand I have done it, and by my wisdom; for I am prudent: and I have removed the bounds of the people, and have robbed their treasures, and I have put down the inhabitants like a valiant man:
And my hand hath found as a nest the riches of the people: and as one gathereth eggs that are left, have I gathered all the earth; and there was none that moved the wing, or opened the mouth, or peeped.
Shall the axe boast itself against him that heweth therewith? or shall the saw magnify itself against him that shaketh it? as if the rod should shake itself against them that lift it up, or as if the staff should lift up itself, as if it were no wood.
Therefore shall the Lord, the Lord of hosts, send among his fat ones leanness; and under his glory he shall kindle a burning like the burning of a fire.
And the light of Israel shall be for a fire, and his Holy One for a flame: and it shall burn and devour his thorns and his briers in one day;
And shall consume the glory of his forest, and of his fruitful field, both soul and body: and they shall be as when a standardbearer fainteth.
And the rest of the trees of his forest shall be few, that a child may write them.
And it shall come to pass in that day, that the remnant of Israel, and such as are escaped of the house of Jacob, shall no more again stay upon him that smote them; but shall stay upon the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, in truth.
The remnant shall return, even the remnant of Jacob, unto the mighty God.
For though thy people Israel be as the sand of the sea, yet a remnant of them shall return: the consumption decreed shall overflow with righteousness.
For the Lord God of hosts shall make a consumption, even determined, in the midst of all the land.
Therefore thus saith the Lord God of hosts, O my people that dwellest in Zion, be not afraid of the Assyrian: he shall smite thee with a rod, and shall lift up his staff against thee, after the manner of Egypt.
For yet a very little while, and the indignation shall cease, and mine anger in their destruction.
And the Lord of hosts shall stir up a scourge for him according to the slaughter of Midian at the rock of Oreb: and as his rod was upon the sea, so shall he lift it up after the manner of Egypt.
And it shall come to pass in that day, that his burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing.
He is come to Aiath, he is passed to Migron; at Michmash he hath laid up his carriages:
They are gone over the passage: they have taken up their lodging at Geba; Ramah is afraid; Gibeah of Saul is fled.
Lift up thy voice, O daughter of Gallim: cause it to be heard unto Laish, O poor Anathoth.
Madmenah is removed; the inhabitants of Gebim gather themselves to flee.
As yet shall he remain at Nob that day: he shall shake his hand against the mount of the daughter of Zion, the hill of Jerusalem.
Behold, the Lord, the Lord of hosts, shall lop the bough with terror: and the high ones of stature shall be hewn down, and the haughty shall be humbled.
And he shall cut down the thickets of the forest with iron, and Lebanon shall fall by a mighty one.
Isaiah 10 focuses on God's judgment, not only on Israel for their social injustices and idolatry but also on Assyria, the very instrument God uses to execute His judgment. The chapter reveals God's sovereignty, human responsibility, and the promise of a remnant that will ultimately trust in the Lord. This chapter, therefore, provides a profound lesson on humility, justice, and the enduring faithfulness of God.
Woe to the Oppressors (Isaiah 10:1-4)
The chapter opens with a stinging indictment against the leaders of Israel and Judah. "Woe to those who decree unjust statutes, and write oppressive decrees" (Isaiah 10:1). These leaders are condemned for twisting the law to exploit the vulnerable: the poor, the widows, and the fatherless (Isaiah 10:2). They legislate injustice, ensuring that the needy have no recourse. This deliberate oppression reveals a deep corruption within the heart of the nation.
Isaiah then poses a piercing question: "What will you do in the day of punishment, and in the devastation which will come from afar?" (Isaiah 10:3). When God's judgment arrives, their ill-gotten wealth will offer no protection. They will be humbled, forced to join the captives or fall in defeat (Isaiah 10:4). This serves as a stark warning: earthly power and riches are fleeting and ultimately powerless against divine judgment. God expects His people to demonstrate righteousness and justice, especially towards the marginalized. The church today should lead the way in caring for the poor and advocating for the oppressed, mirroring the heart of God.
Assyria: The Rod of God's Anger (Isaiah 10:5-19)
God declares that Assyria is the "rod of my anger" (Isaiah 10:5), an instrument used to punish a "godless nation" (Isaiah 10:6), referring to Israel and Judah. God commissions Assyria to plunder and oppress His people, using them as a tool to bring about correction.
However, the king of Assyria has his own agenda. He doesn't see himself as serving God's purposes. Instead, he is driven by a lust for power and conquest, aiming to "destroy and cut off many nations" (Isaiah 10:7). He boasts of his military might and the fall of other nations' gods, believing that Jerusalem will be no different (Isaiah 10:8-11). This is a critical point: God can use even the wicked to accomplish His will, but their own sin and arrogance will not go unpunished.
This section highlights the mysterious interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. As Joseph said to his brothers in Genesis 50:20, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good." God is always working behind the scenes to accomplish His purposes, even through the actions of those with evil intentions.
Isaiah mocks the Assyrian king's arrogance. "Is the axe to boast itself over him who chops with it? Is the saw to exalt itself over him who wields it?" (Isaiah 10:15). Assyria is merely a tool in God's hand, and its pride will be its downfall. The Lord will send a wasting disease upon the Assyrian army, consuming their strength and leaving only a remnant (Isaiah 10:16-19). The "Light of Israel will become a fire, and his Holy One a flame" (Isaiah 10:17), consuming the thorns and briers of Assyria's might.
A Remnant Shall Return (Isaiah 10:20-23)
Amidst the judgment, there is a glimmer of hope. Isaiah prophesies that "in that day the remnant of Israel, and those of the house of Jacob who have escaped, will never again rely on him who struck them, but will rely on the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, in truth" (Isaiah 10:20). This remnant will turn away from seeking help from foreign powers and instead place their trust solely in God.
This remnant, though small, represents the hope for the future. "A remnant will return, the remnant of Jacob, to the mighty God" (Isaiah 10:21). God's judgment is not meant to annihilate but to refine and restore. However, the destruction is also certain. "For the Lord God of hosts will make a full end, as decreed, in the midst of all the earth" (Isaiah 10:23).
Comfort and Warning (Isaiah 10:24-34)
Isaiah offers comfort to the people of Zion, urging them not to fear the Assyrians (Isaiah 10:24). God's anger will soon turn away from Israel and be directed towards their oppressors. He will break the yoke of Assyria, just as He delivered them from Egypt in the past (Isaiah 10:26).
The final verses paint a vivid picture of the Assyrian army advancing towards Jerusalem (Isaiah 10:28-32). They move from city to city, striking fear in the hearts of the inhabitants. However, the chapter concludes with a powerful image of God's judgment upon the Assyrian army: "See, the Lord, the Lord of hosts, will lop off the boughs with terrifying power; the great in height will be hewn down, and the lofty will be brought low. He will cut down the thickets of the forest with an iron axe, and Lebanon will fall by the Majestic One" (Isaiah 10:33-34).
This dramatic conclusion underscores the ultimate power and sovereignty of God. No matter how mighty the enemy, God can bring them down in an instant. The imagery of a forest being cleared with an axe emphasizes the completeness of God's judgment.
Isaiah 10 reminds us that God is just and will hold both individuals and nations accountable for their actions. While judgment is a reality, so is God's mercy and faithfulness. He will always preserve a remnant, a people who trust in Him and reflect His character to the world. The chapter calls us to examine our own hearts, ensuring that we are not oppressing others or relying on earthly power but instead seeking justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with our God.