My hand reached as into a nest to seize the wealth of the nations. Like one gathering abandoned eggs, I gathered all the earth. No wing fluttered, no beak opened or chirped.'" My hand reachedThe phrase "My hand reached" signifies the power and authority of the Assyrian king, who is metaphorically described as extending his hand to take what he desires. In Hebrew, the word for "hand" (יָד, yad) often symbolizes strength and capability. This imagery reflects the Assyrian empire's aggressive expansion and dominance over other nations, emphasizing the ease with which they conquered territories. Historically, the Assyrians were known for their military prowess and strategic conquests, which allowed them to extend their influence across the ancient Near East. as into a nest The comparison "as into a nest" evokes the image of vulnerability and ease of access. A nest, typically a place of safety for birds, becomes an easy target when left unguarded. This metaphor highlights the defenselessness of the nations before the Assyrian onslaught. In the broader biblical context, this imagery underscores the theme of divine judgment, where God allows certain powers to rise as instruments of His will, often to discipline or correct His people. to seize the wealth of the nations The phrase "to seize the wealth of the nations" indicates the Assyrian king's intent to plunder and take riches from conquered lands. The Hebrew root for "seize" (לָקַח, laqach) conveys the act of taking or capturing, often with force. This reflects the historical reality of Assyrian campaigns, which were marked by the extraction of tribute and resources from subjugated peoples. Theologically, this serves as a reminder of the transient nature of earthly wealth and power, which can be taken away as swiftly as it is acquired. like one gathering abandoned eggs The simile "like one gathering abandoned eggs" further illustrates the ease with which the Assyrian king collects the spoils of conquest. Eggs, when abandoned, are defenseless and easily taken. This imagery reinforces the notion of the nations' helplessness in the face of Assyrian aggression. In a spiritual sense, it can be seen as a warning against complacency and the false security found in worldly strength, urging reliance on God instead. I gathered all the earth The declaration "I gathered all the earth" speaks to the Assyrian king's perception of his own power and reach. The hyperbolic language suggests a sense of invincibility and control over vast territories. Historically, the Assyrian empire did indeed exert influence over a large portion of the ancient world. However, from a biblical perspective, this statement also serves as a reminder of the ultimate sovereignty of God, who allows empires to rise and fall according to His divine plan. No wing fluttered, no beak opened or chirped The concluding phrase "No wing fluttered, no beak opened or chirped" emphasizes the complete and utter silence and submission of the conquered nations. The imagery of birds, typically associated with freedom and life, being silent and still, underscores the total domination and control exercised by the Assyrian king. In a broader theological context, this silence can be interpreted as the absence of resistance against God's ordained purposes, highlighting the futility of opposing His will. It serves as a call to trust in God's ultimate justice and sovereignty, even amidst apparent chaos and oppression. Persons / Places / Events 1. AssyriaThe dominant empire during the time of Isaiah, known for its military prowess and conquests. Assyria is depicted as the instrument of God's judgment against Israel but is also subject to God's judgment for its arrogance and pride. 2. IsaiahA major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah conveyed God's messages to the people of Judah and Jerusalem, warning them of impending judgment and offering hope for future restoration. 3. Judah and IsraelThe divided kingdoms of God's chosen people. Isaiah's prophecies often addressed both kingdoms, warning them of the consequences of their disobedience to God. 4. God's SovereigntyThe overarching theme in Isaiah 10, where God uses nations like Assyria to accomplish His purposes, demonstrating His control over all earthly powers. 5. Judgment and RestorationThe dual themes in Isaiah's prophecies, where God judges nations for their sins but also promises restoration and redemption for His people. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty Over NationsGod is in control of all nations and uses them to accomplish His divine purposes. We can trust in His ultimate plan, even when it involves difficult circumstances. The Danger of PrideAssyria's arrogance led to its downfall. We must guard against pride in our own lives, recognizing that all we have is from God. God's Justice and MercyWhile God judges sin, He also offers mercy and restoration. We should seek His forgiveness and strive to live in obedience to His will. The Role of ProphecyProphecies in the Bible serve as warnings and encouragements. They remind us of God's faithfulness and the certainty of His promises. Trust in God's DeliveranceJust as God delivered Judah from Assyria, He is able to deliver us from our trials. We should place our trust in Him and not in our own strength. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the imagery of gathering eggs in Isaiah 10:14 illustrate Assyria's attitude towards its conquests, and what does this reveal about their character? 2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in the world today, similar to how He used Assyria in Isaiah's time? 3. How does the theme of pride leading to downfall in Isaiah 10:14 connect with other biblical teachings on pride, such as in Proverbs 16:18? 4. What lessons can we learn from God's use of Assyria as an instrument of judgment, and how can this understanding impact our view of current global events? 5. How can we apply the message of God's justice and mercy in Isaiah 10 to our personal lives and relationships with others? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 37This chapter describes the downfall of Assyria, fulfilling the prophecy of judgment against their arrogance. Habakkuk 1Similar to Isaiah, Habakkuk questions God's use of a wicked nation (Babylon) to judge His people, highlighting God's sovereignty and justice. 2 Kings 19Provides a historical account of Assyria's invasion and God's deliverance of Jerusalem, illustrating the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecies. Proverbs 16:18This verse speaks to the theme of pride leading to destruction, which is evident in Assyria's downfall. Romans 9Discusses God's sovereignty in using nations and individuals to fulfill His purposes, echoing the themes found 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 Abandoned, Beak, Bird, Chirp, Chirped, Countries, Eggs, Flapped, Forsaken, Gather, Gathered, Gathereth, Gathering, Gathers, Getteth, Hands, Mouth, Moved, Moving, Myself, Nations, Nest, None, Opened, Opening, Peeped, Peoples, Reached, Riches, Wealth, Whispering, WingDictionary of Bible Themes Isaiah 10:14 4675 nest 4690 wings 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 10:14 NIVIsaiah 10:14 NLTIsaiah 10:14 ESVIsaiah 10:14 NASBIsaiah 10:14 KJV
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