"Is not Calno like Carchemish? Is not Hamath like Arpad? Is not Samaria like Damascus? Is not Calno like Carchemish?The phrase "Is not Calno like Carchemish?" invites us to explore the historical and geographical context of these ancient cities. Calno, also known as Calneh, was a city in northern Mesopotamia, often associated with the Assyrian Empire's expansion. Carchemish, on the other hand, was a significant Hittite city located on the Euphrates River, known for its strategic importance and its eventual conquest by the Assyrians. The rhetorical question posed here by the prophet Isaiah is meant to highlight the Assyrian king's arrogance and his belief in the inevitability of his conquests. Historically, both cities fell to Assyrian power, symbolizing the empire's might. This comparison serves as a reminder of the transient nature of earthly power and the ultimate sovereignty of God over nations. Is not Hamath like Arpad?
The mention of "Hamath" and "Arpad" continues the theme of Assyrian conquests. Hamath was a prominent city in Syria, known for its wealth and influence, while Arpad was a smaller city-state that also fell to Assyrian dominance. The Hebrew root of Hamath suggests a "fortress" or "citadel," indicating its strength and fortification. Arpad, though less prominent, was strategically important. The rhetorical question underscores the Assyrian king's pride in his military achievements, yet it also serves as a prophetic warning that such pride precedes a fall. In a broader theological context, this comparison reminds believers of the futility of relying on human strength and the importance of trusting in God's eternal power. Is not Samaria like Damascus?
The comparison of "Samaria" and "Damascus" brings the focus closer to the heart of Israel and Judah's concerns. Samaria was the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, while Damascus was the capital of Aram (Syria). Both cities were significant in the biblical narrative, often representing centers of political and spiritual rebellion against God. The Hebrew root for Samaria implies "watchtower," symbolizing vigilance but also isolation. Damascus, with its rich history and cultural influence, was a city of great importance in the ancient Near East. By equating these cities, the Assyrian king boasts of his ability to conquer even the most fortified and significant places. However, from a conservative Christian perspective, this serves as a reminder of God's ultimate judgment against pride and the assurance that His plans will prevail over human ambitions. The verse calls believers to reflect on the sovereignty of God and the assurance that, despite human arrogance, God's purposes will be fulfilled. Persons / Places / Events 1. CalnoAn ancient city, possibly identified with Calneh in Genesis 10:10, known for its wealth and significance in the Assyrian empire. 2. CarchemishA major city on the Euphrates River, known for its strategic importance and as a site of significant battles. 3. HamathA city in Syria, often mentioned in the context of Assyrian conquests. 4. ArpadA city in northern Syria, frequently mentioned in the Bible as a target of Assyrian campaigns. 5. SamariaThe capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, known for its idolatry and eventual conquest by the Assyrians. 6. DamascusThe capital of Aram (Syria), a city with a long history of conflict with Israel. Teaching Points The Folly of PrideThe Assyrian king's comparison of conquered cities reflects human arrogance. We must guard against pride, recognizing that all power and success come from God. The Consequences of IdolatrySamaria's comparison to other fallen cities serves as a warning against idolatry and turning away from God. We should examine our lives for anything that takes precedence over our relationship with God. God's Sovereignty Over NationsThe passage underscores God's control over the rise and fall of nations. We can trust in His ultimate plan and justice, even when worldly powers seem dominant. The Danger of ComplacencyThe cities mentioned were once strong and secure but fell due to complacency and sin. We must remain vigilant in our faith and obedience to God. Hope in God's DeliveranceDespite the Assyrian threat, God preserved a remnant of His people. This reminds us of His faithfulness and the hope we have in His promises. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the comparison of these cities in Isaiah 10:9 serve as a warning to us today about the dangers of pride and self-reliance? 2. In what ways can we identify and remove modern-day idols from our lives, drawing lessons from the fate of Samaria? 3. How does understanding God's sovereignty over nations and history provide comfort and assurance in today's world? 4. What steps can we take to avoid spiritual complacency, ensuring that we remain faithful and obedient to God? 5. How can the account of God's deliverance of Jerusalem from the Assyrians inspire us to trust in His promises and faithfulness in our own lives? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Kings 18-19These chapters describe the Assyrian campaigns and their conquests, including the fall of Samaria and threats against Jerusalem. Isaiah 36-37These chapters recount the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem and God's deliverance, highlighting the futility of relying on human power. Amos 6:2This verse references Calno, Hamath, and Gath, drawing a parallel to the pride and eventual downfall of these cities. 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 Arpad, Calno, Carchemish, Car'chemish, Damascus, Fared, Fate, Hamath, Isn't, Karkemish, Samaria, Sama'riaDictionary 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 10:9 NIVIsaiah 10:9 NLTIsaiah 10:9 ESVIsaiah 10:9 NASBIsaiah 10:9 KJV
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