---
title: "Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible -  Isaiah 10"
description: "CHAPTER 10   :-. Fourth strophe. 1. them that decree—namely,
unrighteous judges. write grievousness,
c.—not the scribes, but the magistrates who caused un"
image: "/images/missing.jpg"
url: "https://realbiblebelievers.com/commentaries/commentary-critical-and-explanatory-on-the-whole-bible/isaiah/10"
---

CHAPTER 10

. Fourth strophe.

**1. them that decree**—namely,
unrighteous judges.
**write grievousness,**
c.—not the scribes, but the magistrates *who caused unjust
decisions* (literally, "injustice" or "grievousness")
*to be recorded* by them () [MAURER],
([Isaiah 1:10](../../../kjv/isaiah/1/10) [Isaiah 1:23](../../../kjv/isaiah/1/23)).

**2. To turn aside,** &c.—The
effect of their conduct is to pervert the cause of the needy
[HORSLEY]. In *English
Version* "from judgment" means "from *obtaining
justice.*"
**take away the right**—"make
plunder of the right" (rightful claim) [HORSLEY].

**3. what will ye do**—what way of
escape will there be for you?
**visitation**—of God's
wrath ([Isaiah 26:14](../../../kjv/isaiah/26/14); [Job 35:15](../../../kjv/job/35/15);
[Hosea 9:7](../../../kjv/hosea/9/7)).
**from far**—from Assyria.
**leave . . . glory**—rather,
"deposit (for safekeeping) your *wealth*" [LOWTH].
So [Psalms 49:17](../../../kjv/psalms/49/17).

**4. Without me**—not having Me to
"flee to" ([Isaiah 10:3](../../../kjv/isaiah/10/3)).
**bow down**—Bereft of
strength they shall fall; or else, they shall lie down fettered.
**under . . . under**—rather,
"among" (literally, "in the place of") [HORSLEY].
The "under" may be, however, explained, "trodden *under
the* (feet of the) *prisoners* going into captivity,"
and "overwhelmed *under* the heaps of *slain* on the
battlefield" [MAURER].
[Isaiah 10:5-34](../../../kjv/isaiah/10/5-34);
[Isaiah 11:12](../../../kjv/isaiah/11/12). DESTRUCTION
OF THE ASSYRIANS;
COMING OF MESSIAH;
HYMN OF PRAISE.
[Isaiah 10:9](../../../kjv/isaiah/10/9);
[Isaiah 10:11](../../../kjv/isaiah/10/11) show that Samaria was
destroyed before this prophecy. It was written when Assyria proposed
(a design which it soon after tried to carry out under Sennacherib)
to destroy Judah and Jerusalem, as it had destroyed Samaria. This is
the first part of Isaiah's prophecies under Hezekiah. Probably
between 722 and 715 B.C.
(see [Isaiah 10:27](../../../kjv/isaiah/10/27)).

**5. O Assyrian,** c.—rather,
"What, ho (but MAURER,
*Woe to the*) Assyrian! He is the rod and staff of Mine anger
(*My instrument in punishing,* [Jeremiah 51:20](../../../kjv/jeremiah/51/20)
[Psalms 17:13](../../../kjv/psalms/17/13)). In their hands is
Mine indignation" [HORSLEY,
after JEROME]. I have put
into the Assyrians' hands the execution of Mine indignation against
My people.

**6. send him**—"Kings'
hearts are in the hand of the Lord" ().
**hypocritical**—polluted
[HORSLEY].
**nation**—Judah, against
whom Sennacherib was forming designs.
**of my wrath**—objects of
My wrath.
**give . . . charge**— ().
**and to tread,** c.—HORSLEY
translates: "And then to make *him* (the Assyrian) a
trampling under foot like the mire of the streets" (so [Isaiah 10:12](../../../kjv/isaiah/10/12)
[Isaiah 33:1](../../../kjv/isaiah/33/1); [Zechariah 10:5](../../../kjv/zechariah/10/5)).
But see [Isaiah 37:26](../../../kjv/isaiah/37/26).

**7. meaneth not so**—He is only
thinking of his own schemes, while God is overruling them to *His*
purposes.
**think**—intend. Sinners'
plans are no less culpable, though they by them unconsciously fulfil
God's designs ([Psalms 76:10](../../../kjv/psalms/76/10);
[Micah 4:12](../../../kjv/micah/4/12)). So Joseph's brethren
([Genesis 50:20](../../../kjv/genesis/50/20); [Proverbs 16:4](../../../kjv/proverbs/16/4)).
The *sinner's motive,* not the *result* (which depends on
God), will be the test in judgment.
**heart to destroy . . . not a
few**—Sennacherib's ambition was not confined to Judea. His plan
was also to conquer Egypt and Ethiopia ([Isaiah 20:1-6](../../../kjv/isaiah/20/1-6);
[Zechariah 1:15](../../../kjv/zechariah/1/15)).

**8-11.** Vauntings of the
Assyrians. Illustrated by the self-laudatory inscriptions of Assyria
deciphered by HINCKS.
**princes . . . kings**—Eastern
satraps and governors of provinces often had the title and diadem of
kings. Hence the title, "King of kings," implying the
greatness of Him who was *over* them ([Ezekiel 26:7](../../../kjv/ezekiel/26/7);
[Ezra 7:12](../../../kjv/ezra/7/12)).

**9. Is not . . . as**—Was there
any one of these cities able to withstand me? Not one. So Rab-shakeh
vaunts ([Isaiah 36:19](../../../kjv/isaiah/36/19)).
**Calno**—Calneh, built by
Nimrod ([Genesis 10:10](../../../kjv/genesis/10/10)), once his
capital, on the Tigris.
**Carchemish**—Circesium,
on the Euphrates. Taken afterwards by Necho, king of Egypt; and
retaken by Nebuchadnezzar: by the Euphrates ([Genesis 10:10](../../../kjv/genesis/10/10)).
**Hamath**—in Syria, north
of Canaan ([Genesis 10:18](../../../kjv/genesis/10/18)). Taken by
Assyria about 753 B.C.
From it colonists were planted by Assyria in Samaria.
**Arpad**—near Hamath.
**Samaria**—now overthrown.
**Damascus**— ([Isaiah 17:1](../../../kjv/isaiah/17/1);
[Isaiah 17:3](../../../kjv/isaiah/17/3)).

**10, 11. found**—unable to resist
me: *hath overcome* (so ).
**and whose**—rather, "and
their." This clause, down to "Samaria," is
parenthetical.
**excel**—were more
powerful. He regards Jerusalem as idolatrous, an opinion which it
often had given too much ground for: Jehovah was in his view the mere
*local* god of Judea, as Baal of the countries where it was
adored, nay, inferior in power to some national gods ([Isaiah 36:19](../../../kjv/isaiah/36/19);
[Isaiah 36:20](../../../kjv/isaiah/36/20); [Isaiah 37:12](../../../kjv/isaiah/37/12)).
See in opposition, [Isaiah 37:20](../../../kjv/isaiah/37/20);
[Isaiah 46:1](../../../kjv/isaiah/46/1).
**As my hand . . . shall I not,
as I have**—a double protasis. Agitation makes one accumulate
sentences.

**12. whole work**—His entire plan
is regard to the *punishment* of the Jews ().
**Zion**—the royal
residence, the court, princes and nobles; as distinguished from
"Jerusalem," the *people* in general.
**fruit**—the result of,
that is, the plants emanating from.
**stout**—*Hebrew,*
"greatness of," that is, pride of.
**glory**—haughtiness.

**13. I am prudent**—He ascribes
his success to his own prudence, not to God's providence.
**removed the bounds**—set
aside old, and substituted new boundaries of kingdoms at will. A
criminal act, as Jehovah Himself had appointed the boundaries of the
nations ([Deuteronomy 32:8](../../../kjv/deuteronomy/32/8)).
**treasures**—"hoarded
treasures" [HORSLEY].
**put down . . . inhabitants
like,** c.—rather, "as a valiant man, I have brought down
(*from their seats*) those *seated*" (namely, "on
thrones" as in [Psalms 2:4](../../../kjv/psalms/2/4);
[Psalms 29:10](../../../kjv/psalms/29/10); [Psalms 55:19](../../../kjv/psalms/55/19)).
The *Hebrew* for "He that abideth," is *He that
sitteth on a throne*); otherwise, "I have *brought down*
(as *captives into Assyria,* which lay *lower* than Judea;
therefore 'brought *down,*' compare [Isaiah 36:1](../../../kjv/isaiah/36/1);
[Isaiah 36:10](../../../kjv/isaiah/36/10)), *the inhabitants*"
[MAURER].

**14. nest**—implying the ease
with which he carried off all before him.
**left**—by the parent
bird.
**none . . . moved . . .
wing**—image from an angry bird resisting the robbery of its
"nest."
**peeped**—chirped even low
([Isaiah 8:19](../../../kjv/isaiah/8/19)). No resistance was
offered me, of deed, or even *word.*

**15.** Shall the instrument boast
against Him who uses it? Through *free* in a sense, and carrying
out his own plans, the Assyrian was unconsciously carrying out *God's*
purposes.
**shaketh it**—moves it
back and forward.
**staff . . . lift . . . itself
. . . no wood**—rather, "as if the staff (*man,* the
instrument of God's judgments on his fellow man) should set aside
(Him who is) not wood" (*not* a mere instrument, as *man*).
On "no wood" compare , "that which is *not God;*" shows that God is meant here by "not wood"
[MAURER].

**16. fat ones**— (). The robust and choice soldiers of Assyria (, where "fattest" answers in the parallelism to
"chosen," or "young men," *Margin*).
**leanness**—carrying out
the image on "fat ones." *Destruction* (). Fulfilled ().
**his glory**—Assyria's
*nobles.* So in [Isaiah 5:13](../../../kjv/isaiah/5/13),
*Margin;* [Isaiah 8:7](../../../kjv/isaiah/8/7).
**kindle**—a new image from
*fire* consuming quickly dry materials ([Isaiah 8:7](../../../kjv/isaiah/8/7)).

**17, 18. light of Israel**—carrying
out the image in the end of . *Jehovah,* who is a *light* to *Israel,*
shall be the "fire" ([Deuteronomy 4:24](../../../kjv/deuteronomy/4/24);
[Hebrews 12:29](../../../kjv/hebrews/12/29)) that shall ignite the
"thorns," (the Assyrians, like dry fuel, a ready prey to
flame).

**18. glory of his forest**—The
*common* soldiers, the *princes, officers,* c., all alike
*together,* shall be consumed (see on ).
**in one day**— ().
**fruitful field**—literally,
"Carmel," a rich mountain in the tribe of Asher. Figurative
for Sennacherib's mighty army. Perhaps alluding to his own boasting
words about to be uttered (), "I will enter the forest of his Carmel."
**soul and body**—proverbial
for utterly the *entire* man is made up of *soul and body.*
**as when a standard bearer
fainteth**—rather, "they shall be as when a *sick man*"
(from a *Syriac* root) wastes away." Compare "leanness,"
that is, wasting destruction () [MAURER]. Or,
"there shall be an entire *dissipation,* like a perfect
*melting*" (namely, of the Assyrian army) [HORSLEY].

**19. rest**—those who shall
survive the destruction of the host.
**his forest**—same image
as in [Isaiah 10:18](../../../kjv/isaiah/10/18), for the once
dense army.
**child . . . write**—so
few that a child might count them.

**20-22.** The effect on the
"remnant" (contrasted with the Assyrian remnant, ); namely, those who shall be left after the invasion of
Sennacherib, will be a return from dependence on external idolatrous
nations, as Assyria and Egypt ([2 Kings 18:21](../../../kjv/2-kings/18/21);
[2 Kings 16:7-9](../../../kjv/2-kings/16/7-9)), to the God of
the theocracy; fulfilled in part in the pious Hezekiah's days; but
from the *future* aspect under which Paul, in [Romans 9:27](../../../kjv/romans/9/27);
[Romans 9:28](../../../kjv/romans/9/28) (compare "short
work" with "whole work," [Romans 9:28](../../../kjv/romans/9/28), here), regards the whole prophecy, the "remnant,"
"who stay upon the Lord," probably will receive their
fullest realization in the portion of Jews left after that Antichrist
shall have been overthrown, who shall "return" unto the
Lord ([Isaiah 6:13](../../../kjv/isaiah/6/13); [Isaiah 7:3](../../../kjv/isaiah/7/3);
[Zechariah 12:9](../../../kjv/zechariah/12/9); [Zechariah 12:10](../../../kjv/zechariah/12/10);
[Zechariah 14:2](../../../kjv/zechariah/14/2); [Zechariah 14:3](../../../kjv/zechariah/14/3);
[Zephaniah 3:12](../../../kjv/zephaniah/3/12)).

**21. mighty God**— () the God who shall have evinced such *might* in
destroying Israel's enemies. As the Assyrians in Sennacherib's reign
did not carry off *Judah* captive, the returning "remnant"
cannot *mainly* refer to this time.

**22. yet**—rather in the sense in
which Paul quotes it ([Romans 9:27](../../../kjv/romans/9/27)),
"Though Israel be now numerous as the sand, a remnant *only*
of them shall return"—the great majority shall perish. The
reason is added, Because "the consumption (fully completed
destruction) *is* decreed (literally, *decided on, brought to
an issue*), it overfloweth ([Isaiah 30:28](../../../kjv/isaiah/30/28);
[Isaiah 8:8](../../../kjv/isaiah/8/8)) with *justice*";
that is, the infliction of just punishment ([Isaiah 8:8](../../../kjv/isaiah/8/8)) [MAURER].

**23. even determined**—"A
consumption, *and whatever is determined,*" or *decreed*
[MAURER].
**midst**—Zion, the central
point of the earth as to Jehovah's presence.
**land**—Israel. But the
*Septuagint,* "in the whole *habitable world.*"
So *English Version* (), "upon the *earth.*"

**24. Therefore**—Return to the
main proposition, Assyria's ultimate punishment, though employed as
God's "rod" to chastise Judea for a time.
**O my people**—God's
tenderness towards His elect nation.
**after the manner of Egypt**—as
Egypt and Pharaoh oppressed thee. Implying, too, as Israel was
nevertheless *delivered* from them, so now it would be from the
Assyrian Sennacherib. The antithesis in requires this interpretation [MAURER].

**25. For**—Be not afraid (), *for,* c.
**indignation . . . cease**—The
punishments of God against Israel shall be consummated and ended
([Isaiah 26:20](../../../kjv/isaiah/26/20) [Daniel 11:36](../../../kjv/daniel/11/36)).
"Till the indignation be accomplished," &c.
**mine anger**—shall turn
to their (the Assyrians') destruction.

**26. slaughter of**—"stroke
upon."
**Midian**— ([Isaiah 9:4](../../../kjv/isaiah/9/4);
[Judges 7:25](../../../kjv/judges/7/25)).
**as his rod was upon the
sea**—rather, understanding "stroke" from the previous
clause, "according to the stroke of His rod upon the Red Sea"
([Exodus 14:16](../../../kjv/exodus/14/16); [Exodus 14:26](../../../kjv/exodus/14/26)).
His "rod" on the Assyrian ([Isaiah 10:24](../../../kjv/isaiah/10/24);
[Isaiah 10:26](../../../kjv/isaiah/10/26)) stands in bold
contrast to the Assyrian used as a "rod" to strike others
([Isaiah 10:5](../../../kjv/isaiah/10/5)).
**after the manner of Egypt**—as
He lifted it up against Egypt at the Red Sea.

**27. his burden**—the Assyrians'
oppression ([Isaiah 9:3](../../../kjv/isaiah/9/3)). Judah was
still tributary to Assyria; Hezekiah had not yet revolted, as he did
in the beginning of Sennacherib's reign.
**because of**— ([Isaiah 9:3](../../../kjv/isaiah/9/3)).
**the anointing**—namely,
"Messiah" ([Daniel 9:24](../../../kjv/daniel/9/24)).
Just as in [Isaiah 9:4-6](../../../kjv/isaiah/9/4-6), the
"breaking of the yoke of" the enemies' "burden and
staff" is attributed to *Messiah,* "*For* unto us
a child is born," c., so it is here. MAURER
not so well translates, "Because of the fatness" an image
of the Assyrians fierce and wanton pride drawn from a well-fed bull
tossing off the yoke ([Deuteronomy 32:15](../../../kjv/deuteronomy/32/15)).
So [Isaiah 10:16](../../../kjv/isaiah/10/16) above, and [Isaiah 10:16](../../../kjv/isaiah/10/16), "*fat* ones."

**28-32.** Onward gradual march of
Sennacherib's army towards Jerusalem, and the panic of the
inhabitants vividly pictured before the eyes.
**come to**—*come upon*
as a sudden invader ([Genesis 34:27](../../../kjv/genesis/34/27)).
**Aiath**—same as Ai
([Joshua 7:2](../../../kjv/joshua/7/2); [Nehemiah 7:32](../../../kjv/nehemiah/7/32)).
In the north of Benjamin; so the other towns also; all on the line of
march to Jerusalem.
**Michmash**—nine miles
northeast of Jerusalem.
**laid up . . . carriages**—He
has left his heavier *baggage* (so "carriages" for the
*things carried,* [Acts 21:15](../../../kjv/acts/21/15))
at Michmash, so as to be more lightly equipped for the siege of
Jerusalem. So [1 Samuel 17:22](../../../kjv/1-samuel/17/22); [1 Samuel 25:13](../../../kjv/1-samuel/25/13);
[1 Samuel 30:24](../../../kjv/1-samuel/30/24) [JEROME
and MAURER].

**29. passage**—the jaws of the
wady or defile at Michmash ([1 Samuel 13:23](../../../kjv/1-samuel/13/23);
[1 Samuel 14:4](../../../kjv/1-samuel/14/4); [1 Samuel 14:5](../../../kjv/1-samuel/14/5)).
**lodging**—their quarters
for the night, after having passed the defile which might have been
easily guarded against them.
**Ramah**—near Geba; seven
miles from Jerusalem.
**Gibeah of Saul**—his
birthplace and residence, in Benjamin ([1 Samuel 14:5](../../../kjv/1-samuel/14/5)), distinct from Gibeah *of Judah* ([1 Samuel 14:5](../../../kjv/1-samuel/14/5)).

**30. daughter of Gallim**—*Gallim
and her sons* (see on [Isaiah 1:8](../../../kjv/isaiah/1/8);
[Isaiah 1:8](../../../kjv/isaiah/1/8)). "Cry aloud in
consternation."
**Laish**—not the town in
Dan ([Judges 18:7](../../../kjv/judges/18/7)), but one of the
same name near Jerusalem (1 Maccabees 9:9).
**Anathoth**—three miles
from Jerusalem in Benjamin; the birthplace of Jeremiah. "Poor"
is applied to it in pity, on account of the impending calamity.
Others translate, Answer her, O Anathoth.

**31. Madmenah**—not the city in
Simeon ([Joshua 15:31](../../../kjv/joshua/15/31)), but a
village near Jerusalem.
**removed**—fled from fear.
**gather themselves to
flee**—"put their goods in a place of safety" [MAURER].

**32. that day**—literally, "As
yet *this* (one only) day (is allowed to the soldiers) for
remaining (halting for rest) at Nob"; northeast of Jerusalem on
Olivet; a town of the priests ().
**daughter**—rightly
substituted for the *Chetib* reading, *house.* His "shaking
his hand" in menace implies that he is now at Nob, *within
sight of* Jerusalem.

**33. bough**—literally, the
"beauty" of the tree; "the beautiful branch."
**high ones of stature**—"the
upright *stem,*" as distinguished from the previous
"boughs" [HORSLEY].

**34.** This verse and describe the sudden arrest and overthrow of Sennacherib in
the height of his success; [Isaiah 10:18](../../../kjv/isaiah/10/18);
[Isaiah 10:19](../../../kjv/isaiah/10/19); [Ezekiel 31:3](../../../kjv/ezekiel/31/3);
[Ezekiel 31:14](../../../kjv/ezekiel/31/14), c., contain the same
image "Lebanon" and its forest are the Assyrian army; the
"iron" axe that fells the forest refers to the stroke which
destroyed the one hundred and eighty-five thousand Assyrians ([Ezekiel 31:14](../../../kjv/ezekiel/31/14)). The "Mighty One" is Jehovah ([Isaiah 10:21](../../../kjv/isaiah/10/21);
[Isaiah 9:6](../../../kjv/isaiah/9/6)).

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