For he says: 'By the strength of my hand I have done this, and by my wisdom, for I am clever. I have removed the boundaries of nations and plundered their treasures; like a mighty one I subdued their rulers. For he saysThis phrase introduces the speaker, who is the king of Assyria. In the context of Isaiah 10, God is using Assyria as an instrument of judgment against Israel. The phrase sets the stage for the arrogance and pride that will be expressed by the Assyrian king. Historically, Assyria was a dominant empire known for its military prowess and conquests, often attributing its success to its own strength rather than acknowledging any divine sovereignty. By the strength of my hand
The king of Assyria attributes his military success to his own power. The Hebrew word for "strength" here is "koach," which implies physical power and might. This reflects a common human tendency to rely on one's own abilities and achievements, forgetting that all power ultimately comes from God. In a broader biblical context, this serves as a reminder of the dangers of pride and self-reliance. I have done this
This phrase emphasizes the king's belief in his own capabilities. The Hebrew verb "asah" means "to do" or "to make," indicating action and accomplishment. The king's statement is a declaration of self-sufficiency, ignoring the role of divine providence. This attitude is contrasted with the biblical teaching that God is the ultimate source of all accomplishments. and by my wisdom
Here, the king claims intellectual superiority as the reason for his success. The Hebrew word "chokmah" is used for "wisdom," which in the biblical sense often refers to skillful living in accordance with God's will. However, the king's wisdom is self-centered and devoid of divine guidance, highlighting the folly of human wisdom when it is detached from God. for I have understanding
The king boasts of his discernment and insight. The Hebrew word "binah" is used for "understanding," which involves perception and insight. In the biblical narrative, true understanding comes from God, and human understanding is limited. The king's claim is a reflection of his arrogance and failure to recognize God's sovereignty. I removed the boundaries of nations
This phrase refers to the king's conquests and expansion of his empire. Historically, Assyria was known for its aggressive expansion and redrawing of territorial boundaries. The act of removing boundaries symbolizes the king's disregard for the established order and divine boundaries set by God. It serves as a metaphor for overstepping divine limits. I plundered their treasures
The king boasts of his ability to seize wealth from conquered nations. The act of plundering is a common practice in ancient warfare, where victors would take spoils from the defeated. This reflects the king's materialistic focus and greed, contrasting with the biblical teaching that true treasure is found in spiritual riches and obedience to God. like a mighty one
The king compares himself to a powerful warrior or hero. The Hebrew word "abir" is used here, often translated as "mighty" or "strong." This self-comparison reveals the king's inflated self-image and desire for glory. In the biblical context, true might is found in humility and reliance on God's strength. I subdued their rulers
The king claims to have overpowered the leaders of other nations. The act of subduing rulers signifies complete domination and control. Historically, Assyrian kings were known for their ruthless treatment of conquered leaders. This statement underscores the king's pride and belief in his invincibility, ignoring the biblical truth that God is the ultimate ruler over all nations and their leaders. Persons / Places / Events 1. AssyriaThe nation being addressed in this passage, known for its military might and conquests. Assyria is depicted as arrogant, attributing its success to its own power and wisdom. 2. IsaiahThe prophet who delivers God's message, warning of the consequences of pride and self-reliance. 3. GodThe ultimate authority who allows Assyria's rise and will also bring about its downfall due to its arrogance. 4. NationsThe various peoples and kingdoms that Assyria boasts of conquering and plundering. 5. JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, which is indirectly affected by Assyria's actions and is the primary audience of Isaiah's prophecies. Teaching Points The Danger of PrideAssyria's boastful claim highlights the danger of attributing success to one's own strength and wisdom rather than acknowledging God's sovereignty. God's Sovereignty Over NationsDespite Assyria's claims, it is God who ultimately controls the rise and fall of nations. Believers should trust in God's plan and timing. Humility Before GodRecognizing our limitations and God's ultimate authority should lead us to a posture of humility and dependence on Him. The Consequences of ArroganceJust as Assyria faced consequences for its pride, individuals and nations today must be wary of arrogance and self-reliance. Acknowledging God's Role in SuccessIn all achievements, believers should give glory to God, recognizing His hand in their lives and successes. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the attitude of Assyria in Isaiah 10:13 reflect common attitudes in today's society regarding success and achievement? 2. In what ways can we ensure that we are giving God the glory for our accomplishments rather than taking credit ourselves? 3. How does the account of Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4 serve as a warning against pride similar to that of Assyria? 4. What practical steps can we take to cultivate humility in our daily lives, especially in areas where we experience success? 5. How can understanding God's sovereignty over nations and history provide comfort and guidance in times of national or global uncertainty? Connections to Other Scriptures Proverbs 16:18This verse speaks to the theme of pride leading to destruction, which is a central message in Isaiah 10:13. Daniel 4:30-32The account of Nebuchadnezzar's pride and subsequent humbling by God parallels Assyria's arrogance and serves as a warning against self-glorification. James 4:6This New Testament verse emphasizes God's opposition to the proud and His favor towards the humble, reinforcing the message in Isaiah. 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 Borders, Boundaries, Bounds, Bull, Chief, Destruction, Dust, Inhabitants, Intelligent, Kings, Lands, Limits, Low, Mighty, Nations, Ones, Peoples, Plundered, Power, Prudent, Remove, Removed, Robbed, Rulers, Sat, Says, Sending, Sit, Spoiled, Stores, Strength, Subdued, Thrones, Towns, Treasures, Understanding, Valiant, Wealth, Wisdom, Wise, WroughtDictionary of Bible Themes Isaiah 10:13 8365 wisdom, human
8804 pride, examples Isaiah 10:12-14 5550 speech, negative
6121 boasting Isaiah 10:12-15 5776 achievement Isaiah 10:12-19 5606 warfare, nature of 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 10:13 NIVIsaiah 10:13 NLTIsaiah 10:13 ESVIsaiah 10:13 NASBIsaiah 10:13 KJV
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