Isaiah 10:12
Wherefore it shall come to pass, that when the Lord hath performed his whole work upon mount Zion and on Jerusalem, I will punish the fruit of the stout heart of the king of Assyria, and the glory of his high looks.
Original Language Analysis
וְהָיָ֗ה
H1961
וְהָיָ֗ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 21
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
2 of 21
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יְבַצַּ֤ע
hath performed
H1214
יְבַצַּ֤ע
hath performed
Strong's:
H1214
Word #:
3 of 21
to break off, i.e., (usually) plunder; figuratively, to finish, or (intransitively) stop
אֲדֹנָי֙
Wherefore it shall come to pass that when the Lord
H136
אֲדֹנָי֙
Wherefore it shall come to pass that when the Lord
Strong's:
H136
Word #:
4 of 21
the lord (used as a proper name of god only)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
6 of 21
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מַֽעֲשֵׂ֔הוּ
his whole work
H4639
מַֽעֲשֵׂ֔הוּ
his whole work
Strong's:
H4639
Word #:
7 of 21
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
בְּהַ֥ר
upon mount
H2022
בְּהַ֥ר
upon mount
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
8 of 21
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
צִיּ֖וֹן
Zion
H6726
צִיּ֖וֹן
Zion
Strong's:
H6726
Word #:
9 of 21
tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem
וּבִירוּשָׁלִָ֑ם
and on Jerusalem
H3389
וּבִירוּשָׁלִָ֑ם
and on Jerusalem
Strong's:
H3389
Word #:
10 of 21
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
אֶפְקֹ֗ד
I will punish
H6485
אֶפְקֹ֗ד
I will punish
Strong's:
H6485
Word #:
11 of 21
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
12 of 21
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
אַשּׁ֔וּר
of Assyria
H804
אַשּׁ֔וּר
of Assyria
Strong's:
H804
Word #:
17 of 21
ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire
וְעַל
H5921
וְעַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
18 of 21
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
תִּפְאֶ֖רֶת
and the glory
H8597
תִּפְאֶ֖רֶת
and the glory
Strong's:
H8597
Word #:
19 of 21
ornament (abstractly or concretely, literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Isaiah 65:7Your iniquities, and the iniquities of your fathers together, saith the LORD, which have burned incense upon the mountains, and blasphemed me upon the hills: therefore will I measure their former work into their bosom.Jeremiah 50:18Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will punish the king of Babylon and his land, as I have punished the king of Assyria.2 Kings 19:31For out of Jerusalem shall go forth a remnant, and they that escape out of mount Zion: the zeal of the LORD of hosts shall do this.
Historical Context
Fulfilled when Assyria fell to Babylon (612 BC). After God used Assyria to discipline Israel (722 BC) and Judah (701 BC), He destroyed Assyria for its cruelty and pride. Nineveh's destruction was so complete that its location was lost for centuries. Isaiah 37:36-38 describes Sennacherib's army's destruction and his assassination—initial fulfillment before Assyria's final collapse. God's judgments are comprehensive and sequential.
Questions for Reflection
- How does being used by God not exempt anyone from accountability for their actions?
- What does sequential judgment—first Israel, then Assyria—teach about God's comprehensive justice?
- How should we avoid pride when God uses us to accomplish His purposes?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This verse promises future judgment on Assyria itself. 'When the Lord hath performed his whole work' indicates God will complete His purpose of disciplining Israel/Judah first. Then He will 'punish the fruit of the stout heart'—Assyria's pride. 'The glory of his high looks' refers to arrogant boasting. Being God's instrument doesn't excuse Assyria's wickedness. This demonstrates God's justice—He judges both His people's sin and their oppressors' pride. Instruments of judgment are themselves judged.