Isaiah 10:23
For the Lord GOD of hosts shall make a consumption, even determined, in the midst of all the land.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 10
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
כָלָ֖ה
a consumption
H3617
כָלָ֖ה
a consumption
Strong's:
H3617
Word #:
2 of 10
a completion; adverb, completely; also destruction
וְנֶחֱרָצָ֑ה
even determined
H2782
וְנֶחֱרָצָ֑ה
even determined
Strong's:
H2782
Word #:
3 of 10
properly, to point sharply, i.e., (literally) to wound; figuratively, to be alert, to decide
צְבָא֔וֹת
of hosts
H6635
צְבָא֔וֹת
of hosts
Strong's:
H6635
Word #:
6 of 10
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
עֹשֶׂ֖ה
shall make
H6213
עֹשֶׂ֖ה
shall make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
7 of 10
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
בְּקֶ֥רֶב
in the midst
H7130
בְּקֶ֥רֶב
in the midst
Strong's:
H7130
Word #:
8 of 10
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)
Historical Context
Fulfilled in Assyrian devastation of Israel (722 BC) and near-destruction of Judah (701 BC). Later, Babylonian conquest (586 BC) seemed to complete this consumption. Archaeological evidence confirms widespread destruction throughout Judah—46 cities destroyed according to Sennacherib's annals. Yet Jerusalem survived the Assyrian threat, and a remnant returned from Babylon. God's 'determined' judgment was severe but not total.
Questions for Reflection
- How do God's sovereign decrees govern both the extent and limits of judgment?
- What comfort does it provide that even severe judgment operates within divine limits?
- How does comprehensive judgment reveal God's holiness while preserved remnant reveals His mercy?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The Lord God of hosts will execute decreed destruction throughout the land. 'Consumption' and 'determined' emphasize the certainty and completeness of judgment. Yet it's executed by 'the Lord God of hosts'—the covenant God who controls heavenly armies. This balances severity with sovereignty—judgment isn't chaos but controlled divine act. The phrase 'in the midst of all the land' indicates comprehensive scope—no area escapes. Yet God's decreed limits prevent total annihilation; a remnant survives.