1 Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness [which] they have prescribed;
2 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!
3 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?
4 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.
5 O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand is mine indignation.
6 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.
7 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.
8 For he saith, [Are] not my princes altogether kings?
9 [Is] not Calno as Carchemish? [is] not Hamath as Arpad? [is] not Samaria as Damascus?
10 As my hand hath found the kingdoms of the idols, and whose graven images did excel them of Jerusalem and of Samaria;
11 Shall I not, as I have done unto Samaria and her idols, so do to Jerusalem and her idols?
12 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.
13 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]:
14 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.
15 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.
16 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.
17 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;
18 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.
19 And the rest of the trees of his forest shall be few, that a child may write them.
20 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.
21 The remnant shall return, [even] the remnant of Jacob, unto the mighty God.
22 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.
23 For the Lord GOD of hosts shall make a consumption, even determined, in the midst of all the land.
24 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.
25 For yet a very little while, and the indignation shall cease, and mine anger in their destruction.
26 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.
27 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.
28 He is come to Aiath, he is passed to Migron; at Michmash he hath laid up his carriages:
29 They are gone over the passage: they have taken up their lodging at Geba; Ramah is afraid; Gibeah of Saul is fled.
30 Lift up thy voice, O daughter of Gallim: cause it to be heard unto Laish, O poor Anathoth.
31 Madmenah is removed; the inhabitants of Gebim gather themselves to flee.
32 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.
33 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.
34 And he shall cut down the thickets of the forest with iron, and Lebanon shall fall by a mighty one.
Overview of Isaiah Chapter 10
Isaiah Chapter 10 addresses the themes of divine judgment, the consequences of oppression, and the ultimate restoration of Israel. The chapter serves as a warning against the arrogance of the Assyrian empire while simultaneously providing hope for the remnant of Israel.
Key Themes
- Divine Judgment: The chapter opens with a condemnation of those who enact unjust laws and oppress the vulnerable.
- The Role of Assyria: Assyria is depicted as an instrument of God’s judgment against Israel, but their arrogance will lead to their own downfall.
- Hope for the Remnant: Despite the impending judgment, there is a promise of restoration for a faithful remnant of Israel.
Detailed Analysis
1. Condemnation of Oppression (Verses 1-2)
The chapter begins with a strong denunciation of those who write oppressive laws and deny justice to the poor. This reflects God’s concern for social justice and the moral responsibility of leaders.
- Unjust laws lead to societal decay.
- God’s judgment is directed toward those who exploit the vulnerable.
2. The Assyrian Threat (Verses 5-11)
Assyria is described as a “rod of God’s anger,” illustrating how God uses nations to execute His will. However, Assyria’s pride and ambition will lead to their own destruction.
- Assyria’s military might is presented as a temporary tool in God’s hands.
- Their overreach and arrogance will bring about their downfall.
3. The Consequences of Arrogance (Verses 12-14)
God will judge Assyria for its pride and self-exaltation. The text emphasizes that while God uses nations for His purposes, He holds them accountable for their actions.
- God’s sovereignty is demonstrated through the rise and fall of nations.
- Assyria’s boastful claims will be met with divine retribution.
4. The Remnant of Israel (Verses 20-23)
In contrast to Assyria’s fate, a remnant of Israel will return to God. This remnant signifies hope and restoration, highlighting God’s faithfulness to His covenant people.
- The remnant will rely on God rather than their own strength.
- God’s grace will preserve a faithful group amidst judgment.
5. Final Judgment and Restoration (Verses 24-34)
The chapter concludes with a vivid depiction of God’s judgment against Assyria and the promise of restoration for Israel. The imagery of a forest being cut down symbolizes the complete destruction of Assyria’s power.
- God’s power is greater than any earthly empire.
- The chapter ends with a note of hope for Israel, emphasizing God’s ultimate plan for redemption.
Conclusion
Isaiah Chapter 10 serves as a powerful reminder of God’s sovereignty over nations, the importance of justice, and the hope of restoration for those who remain faithful. It challenges readers to reflect on their own actions and the societal structures they support, while also offering reassurance of God’s enduring faithfulness to His people.
