"Then Assyria will fall, but not by the sword of man; a sword will devour them, but not one made by mortals. They will flee before the sword, and their young men will be put to forced labor. Then Assyria will fallThe phrase "Then Assyria will fall" speaks to the divine judgment that God pronounces upon the Assyrian empire. Historically, Assyria was a dominant military power, known for its conquests and oppression of Israel and Judah. The Hebrew root for "fall" (נָפַל, naphal) implies a sudden and complete collapse, indicating that Assyria's downfall is not due to human intervention but by the sovereign act of God. This serves as a reminder of God's ultimate authority over nations and empires, reinforcing the belief that no earthly power can stand against His will. by a sword not of man
The phrase "by a sword not of man" emphasizes the supernatural nature of Assyria's defeat. The "sword" here symbolizes divine intervention rather than a literal weapon wielded by human hands. This aligns with the biblical theme that God often uses unconventional means to accomplish His purposes, as seen in other scriptural accounts where God delivers His people through miraculous events. It underscores the futility of relying on human strength and the importance of trusting in God's power. and a sword not of man will devour him
Reiterating the previous phrase, "and a sword not of man will devour him" further emphasizes the certainty and completeness of Assyria's destruction. The repetition serves to assure the Israelites of God's promise and His ability to protect and deliver them from their enemies. The imagery of being "devoured" suggests total consumption and obliteration, leaving no doubt about the thoroughness of God's judgment. He will flee from the sword
The phrase "He will flee from the sword" depicts the Assyrian king or army in a state of panic and retreat. Despite their might and previous victories, they will be powerless against the divine "sword." This highlights the theme of divine retribution and the reversal of fortunes, where the oppressor becomes the one who is pursued and defeated. It serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of pride and arrogance before God. and his young men will be put to forced labor
The phrase "and his young men will be put to forced labor" indicates the humiliation and subjugation of Assyria's warriors. The young men, once symbols of strength and vitality, will be reduced to servitude. This outcome reflects the biblical principle that those who exalt themselves will be humbled. It also serves as a warning to all nations and individuals about the dangers of defying God's authority and the inevitable justice that follows. Persons / Places / Events 1. The AssyrianRepresents the Assyrian Empire, a dominant power during Isaiah's time, known for its military might and oppression of Israel and Judah. 2. Sword Not of ManSymbolizes divine intervention, indicating that the downfall of the Assyrian will be by God's power, not human effort. 3. Young MenRefers to the Assyrian soldiers or young warriors who will be captured and subjected to forced labor, highlighting the complete defeat of the Assyrian forces. Teaching Points Divine SovereigntyGod's power is supreme over all earthly powers. Believers can trust in His ability to deliver and protect them from seemingly insurmountable challenges. Reliance on GodJust as Judah was called to trust in God rather than alliances with other nations, Christians are encouraged to rely on God rather than worldly solutions. God's FaithfulnessThe prophecy's fulfillment demonstrates God's faithfulness to His promises. Believers can be assured that God will fulfill His promises in their lives. Spiritual WarfareThe "sword not of man" can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual battles, reminding Christians that their struggles are not against flesh and blood but require spiritual weapons. Judgment and MercyWhile God judges nations and powers, His ultimate goal is to bring about His redemptive purposes. Believers should seek to align with God's will and purposes. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the prophecy of the Assyrian's fall by a "sword not of man" challenge our understanding of God's intervention in our lives today? 2. In what ways can we apply the lesson of relying on God's power rather than human strength in our current personal or communal challenges? 3. How does the fulfillment of this prophecy in 2 Kings 19:35 and Isaiah 37:36 strengthen your faith in God's promises? 4. What are some modern-day "Assyrians" (challenges or oppressors) that believers face, and how can we trust God for deliverance? 5. How can the concept of spiritual warfare, as seen in this passage, be applied to our daily walk with Christ, and what spiritual "swords" do we have at our disposal? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Kings 19:35This passage describes the angel of the Lord striking down the Assyrian camp, illustrating the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy that the Assyrian would fall by a divine act. Isaiah 37:36Reinforces the theme of divine intervention where the angel of the Lord destroys the Assyrian army, showing God's protection over His people. Exodus 14:14Connects to the idea of God fighting for His people, as He did for the Israelites against the Egyptians, emphasizing reliance on divine power rather than human strength. People Egyptians, Isaiah, Israelites, JeremiahPlaces Egypt, Jerusalem, Mount Zion, ZionTopics Asshur, Assyrian, Cause, Consume, Destruction, Devour, Discomfited, Escape, Face, Fall, Fallen, Fled, Flee, Flight, Forced, Labor, Laborers, Low, Mankind, Mean, Mighty, Mortals, Subject, Sword, Taskwork, Tributary, YeaDictionary of Bible Themes Isaiah 31:8 5572 sword Library Three Pictures of one Reality
'As birds flying, so will the Lord of hosts defend Jerusalem; defending also He will deliver it; and passing over He will preserve it'--ISAIAH xxxi. 5. The immediate occasion of this very remarkable promise is, of course, the peril in which Jerusalem was placed by Sennacherib's invasion; and the fulfilment of the promise was the destruction of his army before its gates. But the promise here, like all God's promises, is eternal in substance, and applies to a community only because it applies to each …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Lord's Furnace
'The Lord, whose fire is in Zion, and His furnace in Jerusalem.'-- ISAIAH xxxi. 9. This very remarkable characterisation of God stands here as a kind of seal, set upon the preceding prophecy. It is the reason why that will certainly be fulfilled. And what precedes is mainly a promise of a deliverance for Israel, which was to be a destruction for Israel's enemies. It is put in very graphic and remarkable metaphors: 'Like as a lion roareth on his prey when a multitude of shepherds is called forth …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture What God Is
John iv. 24.--"God is a Spirit, and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." We have here something of the nature of God pointed out to us, and something of our duty towards him. "God is a Spirit," that is his nature, and "man must worship him," that is his duty, and that "in spirit and in truth," that is the right manner of the duty. If these three were well pondered till they did sink into the bottom of our spirits, they would make us indeed Christians, not in the letter, …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Of Conversion
Of Conversion "Be ye truly converted unto that God from whom ye have so deeply revolted" (Isa. xxxi. 6). To be truly converted is to avert wholly from the creature, and turn wholly unto God. For the attainment of salvation it is absolutely necessary that we should forsake outward sin and turn unto righteousness: but this alone is not perfect conversion, which consists in a total change of the whole man from an outward to an inward life. When the soul is once turned to God a wonderful facility is …
Madame Guyon—A Short and Easy Method of Prayer Of Perfect Conversion, which is an Effect of this Method of Prayer --Two of Its Aids, the Attraction of God, and the Central Inclination of The
"Turn ye unto Him from whom the children of Israel have deeply revolted" (Isa. xxxi. 6). Conversion is nothing else but a turning from the creature to God. Conversion is not perfect, though it is necessary for salvation, when it is merely a turning from sin to grace. To be complete, it must be a turning from without to within. The soul, being turned in the direction of God, has a great facility for remaining converted to Him. The longer it is converted, the nearer it approaches to God, and attaches …
Jeanne Marie Bouvières—A Short Method Of Prayer And Spiritual Torrents That it is not Lawful for the Well Affected Subjects to Concur in Such an Engagement in War, and Associate with the Malignant Party.
That It Is Not Lawful For The Well Affected Subjects To Concur In Such An Engagement In War, And Associate With The Malignant Party. Some convinced of the unlawfulness of the public resolutions and proceedings, in reference to the employing of the malignant party, yet do not find such clearness and satisfaction in their own consciences as to forbid the subjects to concur in this war, and associate with the army so constituted. Therefore it is needful to speak something to this point, That it is …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning But Though Prayer is Properly Confined to Vows and Supplications...
But though prayer is properly confined to vows and supplications, yet so strong is the affinity between petition and thanksgiving, that both may be conveniently comprehended under one name. For the forms which Paul enumerates (1 Tim. 2:1) fall under the first member of this division. By prayer and supplication we pour out our desires before God, asking as well those things which tend to promote his glory and display his name, as the benefits which contribute to our advantage. By thanksgiving we duly …
John Calvin—Of Prayer--A Perpetual Exercise of Faith Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and Ungodly Men.
Scriptures Showing The Sin And Danger Of Joining With Wicked And Ungodly Men. When the Lord is punishing such a people against whom he hath a controversy, and a notable controversy, every one that is found shall be thrust through: and every one joined with them shall fall, Isa. xiii. 15. They partake in their judgment, not only because in a common calamity all shares, (as in Ezek. xxi. 3.) but chiefly because joined with and partakers with these whom God is pursuing; even as the strangers that join …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Sennacherib (705-681 B. C. )
The struggle of Sennacherib with Judaea and Egypt--Destruction of Babylon. Sennacherib either failed to inherit his father's good fortune, or lacked his ability.* He was not deficient in military genius, nor in the energy necessary to withstand the various enemies who rose against him at widely removed points of his frontier, but he had neither the adaptability of character nor the delicate tact required to manage successfully the heterogeneous elements combined under his sway. * The two principal …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8 Exposition of Chap. Iii. (ii. 28-32. )
Ver. 1. "And it shall come to pass, afterwards, I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy; your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions." The communication of the Spirit of God was the constant prerogative of the Covenant-people. Indeed, the very idea of such a people necessarily requires it. For the Spirit of God is the only inward bond betwixt Him and that which is created; a Covenant-people, therefore, without such an inward …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament The Upbringing of Jewish Children
The tenderness of the bond which united Jewish parents to their children appears even in the multiplicity and pictorialness of the expressions by which the various stages of child-life are designated in the Hebrew. Besides such general words as "ben" and "bath"--"son" and "daughter"--we find no fewer than nine different terms, each depicting a fresh stage of life. The first of these simply designates the babe as the newly--"born"--the "jeled," or, in the feminine, "jaldah"--as in Exodus 2:3, 6, 8. …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life 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 31:8 NIVIsaiah 31:8 NLTIsaiah 31:8 ESVIsaiah 31:8 NASBIsaiah 31:8 KJV
Isaiah 31:8 Commentaries
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