Isaiah 10:16
Therefore shall the Lord, the Lord of hosts, send among his fat ones leanness; and under his glory he shall kindle a burning like the burning of a fire.
Original Language Analysis
לָ֠כֵן
H3651
לָ֠כֵן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
1 of 13
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
יְשַׁלַּ֨ח
send
H7971
יְשַׁלַּ֨ח
send
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
2 of 13
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
הָאָד֜וֹן
Therefore shall the Lord
H113
הָאָד֜וֹן
Therefore shall the Lord
Strong's:
H113
Word #:
3 of 13
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
יְהוָ֧ה
H3068
יְהוָ֧ה
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
צְבָא֛וֹת
of hosts
H6635
צְבָא֛וֹת
of hosts
Strong's:
H6635
Word #:
5 of 13
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
בְּמִשְׁמַנָּ֖יו
among his fat ones
H4924
בְּמִשְׁמַנָּ֖יו
among his fat ones
Strong's:
H4924
Word #:
6 of 13
fat, i.e., (literally and abstractly) fatness; but usually (figuratively and concretely) a rich dish, a fertile field, a robust man
וְתַ֧חַת
H8478
וְתַ֧חַת
Strong's:
H8478
Word #:
8 of 13
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
Cross References
2 Chronicles 32:21And the LORD sent an angel, which cut off all the mighty men of valour, and the leaders and captains in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned with shame of face to his own land. And when he was come into the house of his god, they that came forth of his own bowels slew him there with the sword.Psalms 106:15And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.
Historical Context
Fulfilled dramatically when God's angel destroyed 185,000 Assyrian soldiers besieging Jerusalem (701 BC, Isaiah 37:36). Sennacherib returned to Nineveh and was later assassinated by his sons (37:37-38). Ultimately, Babylon destroyed Nineveh (612 BC) with such completeness that the city burned for weeks, its 'glory' literally consumed. The 'leanness' and 'burning' proved both literal and metaphorical.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's judgment often mirror the sins committed—poetic justice?
- What does the contrast between outward glory and coming leanness teach about appearances?
- How should we view worldly power and glory in light of its temporary nature?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God's judgment on Assyria is described as 'leanness' (wasting disease) among their fat ones (warriors/nobles) and 'burning like fire' under their glory. The imagery suggests consuming judgment—what appeared strong and glorious will be devoured. This demonstrates poetic justice—Assyria consumed nations, so God will consume Assyria. The physical descriptions (leanness, burning) may indicate literal plague and destruction, or metaphorically depict comprehensive judgment.