"Are not all my commanders kings?" he says. For he saysThis phrase introduces the boastful speech of the Assyrian king, reflecting his arrogance and self-exaltation. In the Hebrew text, the word "he says" (אָמַר, 'amar) is often used to denote a declaration or proclamation. This sets the tone for the subsequent statement, highlighting the prideful nature of the Assyrian ruler. Historically, Assyria was known for its military prowess and expansionist policies, often attributing their success to their own strength rather than acknowledging divine sovereignty. Are not my commanders
The term "commanders" (שָׂרַי, saray) refers to the military leaders or officers under the Assyrian king's authority. In the ancient Near Eastern context, these commanders were not just military leaders but also held significant political power. The Assyrian empire was structured in a way that its military leaders were integral to its administration and governance, often acting with autonomy akin to that of regional kings. This reflects the vastness and complexity of the Assyrian military machine, which was a source of pride and confidence for the king. all kings?
The phrase "all kings" (כֻּלָּם מְלָכִים, kullam melakhim) underscores the Assyrian king's perception of his commanders as equivalent to kings. This hyperbolic statement reveals the extent of his arrogance, as he equates his subordinates with sovereign rulers. In the historical context, Assyria's dominance over other nations often resulted in the subjugation of local kings, who were reduced to vassals or replaced by Assyrian-appointed governors. The king's boast reflects a worldview where his power and influence are unrivaled, dismissing the sovereignty of other nations and their rulers. Persons / Places / Events 1. AssyriaThe dominant empire during the time of Isaiah, known for its military prowess and conquests. Assyria is often depicted as an instrument of God's judgment against Israel and other nations. 2. IsaiahA major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah's ministry spanned the reigns of several kings of Judah. He warned of judgment but also spoke of hope and restoration. 3. Commanders/KingsThe Assyrian king boasts that his military leaders are as powerful as kings, reflecting the arrogance and pride of the empire. 4. Judah and IsraelThe divided kingdoms of God's chosen people, often subject to the threats and invasions of surrounding empires like Assyria. 5. God's JudgmentThe broader context of Isaiah 10 is God's use of Assyria as a tool for judgment against Israel due to their disobedience and idolatry. Teaching Points The Danger of PridePride can lead to a false sense of security and invincibility. The Assyrian king's boast is a reminder that human power is limited and subject to God's authority. God's Sovereignty Over NationsGod uses nations and leaders to accomplish His purposes, even when they are unaware of it. This should remind us of God's ultimate control over world events. The Temporary Nature of Earthly PowerEarthly power and authority are fleeting. The Assyrian empire, once mighty, eventually fell. We should place our trust in God's eternal kingdom. Humility Before GodRecognizing our limitations and God's greatness should lead us to humility. We should seek to align our lives with God's will rather than our own ambitions. Trust in God's JusticeEven when it seems that the wicked prosper, God will ultimately bring justice. We can trust in His timing and righteousness. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the Assyrian king's boast in Isaiah 10:8 reflect the broader theme of pride in the Bible, and what are the consequences of such pride? 2. In what ways does the account of Assyria's rise and fall demonstrate God's sovereignty over nations and history? 3. How can we apply the lesson of the temporary nature of earthly power to our own lives and ambitions? 4. What are some practical ways we can cultivate humility in our daily walk with God, in light of the Assyrian king's example? 5. How does the assurance of God's ultimate justice and sovereignty provide comfort and guidance in today's world events? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 37This chapter describes the eventual downfall of Assyria, showing that despite their arrogance, they are still subject to God's sovereign will. Proverbs 16:18This verse speaks to the theme of pride leading to destruction, which is relevant to the Assyrian king's boastful claim. Daniel 4The account of Nebuchadnezzar's humbling experience parallels the theme of God humbling the proud, as seen with Assyria. People Anathoth, Assyrians, Egyptians, Isaiah, Jacob, Laish, Oreb, SaulPlaces Aiath, Anathoth, Arpad, Assyria, Calno, Carchemish, Damascus, Egypt, Gallim, Geba, Gibeah, Hamath, Jerusalem, Laishah, Lebanon, Madmenah, Michmash, Midian, Migron, Mount Zion, Nob, Ramah, Samaria, ZionTopics Altogether, Aren't, Captains, Commanders, Kings, Princes, SaysDictionary of Bible Themes Isaiah 10:5-11 1175 God, will of Isaiah 10:7-11 6186 evil scheming Library Light or 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.'--ISAIAH x. 17. With grand poetry the prophet pictures the Assyrian power as a forest consumed like thistles and briers by the fire of God. The text suggests solemn truths about the divine Nature and its manifestations. I. The Essential Character of God. Light and Holiness are substantially parallel. Light symbolises purity, but also knowledge and joy. Holiness …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureNob. Bahurim.
That Nob was placed in the land of Benjamin, not far from Jerusalem, whence Jerusalem also might be seen,--the words of the Chaldee paraphrast, upon Isaiah 10:32, do argue. For so he speaks; "Sennacherib came and stood in Nob, a city of the priests, before the walls of Jerusalem; and said to his army, 'Is not this the city of Jerusalem, against which I have raised my whole army, and have subdued all the provinces of it? Is it not small and weak in comparison of all the fortifications of the Gentiles, …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Covenanting Predicted in Prophecy.
The fact of Covenanting, under the Old Testament dispensations, being approved of God, gives a proof that it was proper then, which is accompanied by the voice of prophecy, affording evidence that even in periods then future it should no less be proper. The argument for the service that is afforded by prophecy is peculiar, and, though corresponding with evidence from other sources, is independent. Because that God willed to make known truth through his servants the prophets, we should receive it …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting If Then the Prophets Prophesied that the Son of God was to Appear Upon The...
If then the prophets prophesied that the Son of God was to appear upon the earth, and prophesied also where on the earth and how and in what manner He should make known His appearance, and all these prophecies the Lord took upon Himself; our faith in Him was well-founded, and the tradition of the preaching (is) true: that is to say, the testimony of the apostles, who being sent forth by the Lord preached in all the world the Son of God, who came to suffer, and endured to the destruction of death …
Irenæus—The Demonstration of the Apostolic Preaching His Holy Covenant
"To remember His Holy Covenant; to grant unto us that we, being delivered out of the hands of our enemies, should serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him, all our days."-LUKE i. 68-75. WHEN Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, he spoke of God's visiting and redeeming His people, as a remembering of His Holy Covenant. He speaks of what the blessings of that Covenant would be, not in words that had been used before, but in what is manifestly a Divine revelation …
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants The Instrumentality of the Wicked Employed by God, While He Continues Free from Every Taint.
1. The carnal mind the source of the objections which are raised against the Providence of God. A primary objection, making a distinction between the permission and the will of God, refuted. Angels and men, good and bad, do nought but what has been decreed by God. This proved by examples. 2. All hidden movements directed to their end by the unseen but righteous instigation of God. Examples, with answers to objections. 3. These objections originate in a spirit of pride and blasphemy. Objection, that …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion King of Kings and Lord of Lords
And He hath on His vesture and on His thigh a name written, K ING OF K INGS AND L ORD OF L ORDS T he description of the administration and glory of the Redeemer's Kingdom, in defiance of all opposition, concludes the second part of Messiah Oratorio. Three different passages from the book of Revelation are selected to form a grand chorus, of which Handel's title in this verse is the close --a title which has been sometimes vainly usurped by proud worms of this earth. Eastern monarchs, in particular, …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 Humility is the Root of Charity, and Meekness the Fruit of Both. ...
Humility is the root of charity, and meekness the fruit of both. There is no solid and pure ground of love to others, except the rubbish of self-love be first cast out of the soul; and when that superfluity of naughtiness is cast out, then charity hath a solid and deep foundation: "The end of the command is charity out of a pure heart," 1 Tim. i. 5. It is only such a purified heart, cleansed from that poison and contagion of pride and self-estimation, that can send out such a sweet and wholesome …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Purposes of God.
In discussing this subject I shall endeavor to show, I. What I understand by the purposes of God. Purposes, in this discussion, I shall use as synonymous with design, intention. The purposes of God must be ultimate and proximate. That is, God has and must have an ultimate end. He must purpose to accomplish something by his works and providence, which he regards as a good in itself, or as valuable to himself, and to being in general. This I call his ultimate end. That God has such an end or purpose, …
Charles Grandison Finney—Systematic Theology A Discourse of the House and Forest of Lebanon
OF THE HOUSE OF THE FOREST OF LEBANON. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. That part of Palestine in which the celebrated mountains of Lebanon are situated, is the border country adjoining Syria, having Sidon for its seaport, and Land, nearly adjoining the city of Damascus, on the north. This metropolitan city of Syria, and capital of the kingdom of Damascus, was strongly fortified; and during the border conflicts it served as a cover to the Assyrian army. Bunyan, with great reason, supposes that, to keep …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
BY JOHN BUNYAN PREFATORY REMARKS BY THE EDITOR This important treatise was prepared for the press, and left by the author, at his decease, to the care of his surviving friend for publication. It first appeared in a collection of his works in folio, 1692; and although a subject of universal interest; most admirably elucidated; no edition has been published in a separate form. Antichrist has agitated the Christian world from the earliest ages; and his craft has been to mislead the thoughtless, by …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 The Providence of God
Q-11: WHAT ARE GOD'S WORKS OF PROVIDENCE? A: God's works of providence are the acts of his most holy, wise, and powerful government of his creatures, and of their actions. Of the work of God's providence Christ says, My Father worketh hitherto and I work.' John 5:17. God has rested from the works of creation, he does not create any new species of things. He rested from all his works;' Gen 2:2; and therefore it must needs be meant of his works of providence: My Father worketh and I work.' His kingdom …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Concerning Christian Liberty
CHRISTIAN faith has appeared to many an easy thing; nay, not a few even reckon it among the social virtues, as it were; and this they do, because they have not made proof of it experimentally, and have never tasted of what efficacy it is. For it is not possible for any man to write well about it, or to understand well what is rightly written, who has not at some time tasted of its spirit, under the pressure of tribulation. While he who has tasted of it, even to a very small extent, can never write, …
Martin Luther—First Principles of the Reformation And for Your Fearlessness against them Hold this Sure Sign -- Whenever There Is...
43. And for your fearlessness against them hold this sure sign--whenever there is any apparition, be not prostrate with fear, but whatsoever it be, first boldly ask, Who art thou? And from whence comest thou? And if it should be a vision of holy ones they will assure you, and change your fear into joy. But if the vision should be from the devil, immediately it becomes feeble, beholding your firm purpose of mind. For merely to ask, Who art thou [1083] ? and whence comest thou? is a proof of coolness. …
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius Isaiah
CHAPTERS I-XXXIX Isaiah is the most regal of the prophets. His words and thoughts are those of a man whose eyes had seen the King, vi. 5. The times in which he lived were big with political problems, which he met as a statesman who saw the large meaning of events, and as a prophet who read a divine purpose in history. Unlike his younger contemporary Micah, he was, in all probability, an aristocrat; and during his long ministry (740-701 B.C., possibly, but not probably later) he bore testimony, as …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Isaiah 10:8 NIVIsaiah 10:8 NLTIsaiah 10:8 ESVIsaiah 10:8 NASBIsaiah 10:8 KJV
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