Though your people, O Israel, be like the sand of the sea, only a remnant will return. Destruction has been decreed, overflowing with righteousness. Though your people, O Israel, be like the sand of the seaThis phrase draws from the Abrahamic covenant in Genesis, where God promised Abraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the sand on the seashore. The Hebrew word for "sand" (חול, chol) symbolizes vastness and innumerability. Historically, this reflects the once-great population and prosperity of Israel. However, it also serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His promises, even when the people stray. The imagery of sand, while abundant, also suggests fragility and impermanence, setting the stage for the coming judgment. only a remnant will return
The term "remnant" (שְׁאָר, she'ar) is significant in prophetic literature, indicating a small, faithful group preserved by God. This concept is both a warning and a promise. Historically, it refers to the survivors of the Assyrian invasion who would return to the land. Spiritually, it speaks to God's grace and mercy, ensuring that despite judgment, His covenant people will not be utterly destroyed. The idea of a remnant underscores the theme of hope and restoration amidst judgment. Destruction has been decreed
The word "decreed" (נֶחֱרָצָה, necheratzah) implies a divine decision that is firm and unchangeable. This reflects God's sovereignty and justice. The historical context here is the impending Assyrian invasion, which was a tool of divine judgment against Israel's sin. Theologically, it serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the certainty of God's righteous judgment. overflowing with righteousness
The phrase "overflowing with righteousness" (צְדָקָה, tzedakah) suggests that the judgment, though severe, is ultimately an expression of God's righteous character. It implies that the purpose of the destruction is not merely punitive but purifying, aiming to restore justice and holiness among His people. This reflects the biblical theme that God's judgments are always just and serve a greater purpose of redemption and restoration. The overflowing nature of righteousness indicates abundance and completeness, assuring believers of God's ultimate plan for good. Persons / Places / Events 1. IsraelThe nation chosen by God, often referred to as His people. In this context, Israel is facing judgment due to their disobedience. 2. RemnantA small, faithful group of Israelites who will return to God after a period of judgment and exile. This concept is central to understanding God's mercy and faithfulness. 3. AssyriaThe dominant empire during Isaiah's time, used by God as an instrument of judgment against Israel. 4. IsaiahThe prophet who delivered God's message to Israel, warning them of impending judgment and offering hope through the promise of a remnant. 5. JudgmentThe divine decree of destruction due to Israel's sin, yet it is described as "overwhelming and righteous," indicating God's just nature. Teaching Points God's Faithfulness Amidst JudgmentDespite the severity of judgment, God remains faithful to His promises by preserving a remnant. This teaches us about His unchanging nature and mercy. The Importance of FaithfulnessThe concept of a remnant highlights the importance of remaining faithful to God, even when the majority turn away. Righteous JudgmentGod's decrees are always righteous, even when they involve destruction. This challenges us to trust in His justice and sovereignty. Hope in RestorationThe promise of a remnant offers hope for restoration and renewal, encouraging believers to look forward to God's redemptive work. Personal Reflection on ObedienceThis passage invites us to examine our own lives and consider whether we are part of the faithful remnant, living in obedience to God. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the concept of a remnant in Isaiah 10:22 provide hope for believers today? 2. In what ways can we see God's faithfulness in the midst of judgment, both in biblical times and in our current context? 3. How does the idea of a "righteous" judgment challenge or affirm your understanding of God's character? 4. What practical steps can we take to ensure we remain part of the faithful remnant in our own spiritual journey? 5. How do the themes in Isaiah 10:22 connect with the New Testament teachings on salvation and God's sovereignty? Connections to Other Scriptures Romans 9:27Paul references Isaiah 10:22 to illustrate God's sovereign choice and the concept of a remnant in the context of salvation history. Genesis 22:17The promise to Abraham about his descendants being as numerous as the sand of the sea, highlighting the contrast between the promise and the reality of judgment. Micah 5:7-8Speaks of the remnant of Jacob among the nations, reinforcing the theme of a faithful group preserved by God. Zephaniah 3:12-13Describes the remnant of Israel as humble and trusting in the name of the Lord, emphasizing the character of those who remain faithful. 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 Consumption, Decreed, Destruction, Determined, Extermination, Fixed, O, Overflow, Overflowing, Overwhelming, Remnant, Return, Righteous, Righteousness, Sand, Though, Within, YetDictionary of Bible Themes Isaiah 10:22 1125 God, righteousness Isaiah 10:20-22 4360 sand
7145 remnant 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 10:22 NIVIsaiah 10:22 NLTIsaiah 10:22 ESVIsaiah 10:22 NASBIsaiah 10:22 KJV
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