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:
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.
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?
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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.