Isaiah Chapter 10 · Verse 13
For he saith, By the strength of my hand I have done it, and by my wisdom; for I am prudent: and I have removed the bounds of the people, and have robbed their treasures, and I have put down the inhabitants like a valiant man:
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 16
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
בְּכֹ֤חַ
By the strength
H3581
בְּכֹ֤חַ
By the strength
Strong's:
H3581
Word #:
3 of 16
vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)
יָדִי֙
of my hand
H3027
יָדִי֙
of my hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
4 of 16
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
עָשִׂ֔יתִי
I have done
H6213
עָשִׂ֔יתִי
I have done
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
5 of 16
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
7 of 16
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
נְבֻנ֑וֹתִי
for I am prudent
H995
נְבֻנ֑וֹתִי
for I am prudent
Strong's:
H995
Word #:
8 of 16
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
וְאָסִ֣יר׀
and I have removed
H5493
וְאָסִ֣יר׀
and I have removed
Strong's:
H5493
Word #:
9 of 16
to turn off (literally or figuratively)
עַמִּ֗ים
of the people
H5971
עַמִּ֗ים
of the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
11 of 16
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
וַעֲתֽיּדֹתֵיהֶם֙
H6264
וַעֲתֽיּדֹתֵיהֶם֙
Strong's:
H6264
Word #:
12 of 16
prepared; by implication, skilful; feminine plural the future; also treasure
וְאוֹרִ֥יד
and I have put down
H3381
וְאוֹרִ֥יד
and I have put down
Strong's:
H3381
Word #:
14 of 16
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
Historical Context
Assyrian royal inscriptions perfectly match this description. Sennacherib's annals boast: 'By the might of my hand I have done it, and by my wisdom, for I am prudent.' They attribute victories to personal strength and patron gods, never acknowledging Yahweh's sovereignty. This archaeological confirmation validates Isaiah's prophetic insight into Assyrian pride. Such boasting made their eventual fall more dramatic.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we sometimes claim credit for what God has accomplished through us?
- What is the relationship between pride and denying God's sovereignty over our successes?
- How can we cultivate humility by recognizing God's hand in all our achievements?
Analysis & Commentary
Assyria's pride is quoted directly: 'By the strength of my hand I have done it, and by my wisdom.' This exemplifies autonomous humanism—attributing success solely to human capability. The claim to remove borders and rob treasures boasts of imperial conquest. 'I have put down the inhabitants like a valiant man' glorifies military prowess. This hubris—claiming credit for what God orchestrated—guarantees judgment. Pride that denies God's sovereignty provokes His wrath.