Isaiah 10:24
Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD of hosts, O my people that dwellest in Zion, be not afraid of the Assyrian: he shall smite thee with a rod, and shall lift up his staff against thee, after the manner of Egypt.
Original Language Analysis
לָכֵ֗ן
H3651
לָכֵ֗ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
1 of 19
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
כֹּֽה
H3541
כֹּֽה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
2 of 19
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
יְהוִה֙
H3068
יְהוִה֙
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 19
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
צְבָא֔וֹת
of hosts
H6635
צְבָא֔וֹת
of hosts
Strong's:
H6635
Word #:
6 of 19
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
7 of 19
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תִּירָ֥א
be not afraid
H3372
תִּירָ֥א
be not afraid
Strong's:
H3372
Word #:
8 of 19
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
עַמִּ֛י
O my people
H5971
עַמִּ֛י
O my people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
9 of 19
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
יֹשֵׁ֥ב
that dwellest
H3427
יֹשֵׁ֥ב
that dwellest
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
10 of 19
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
צִיּ֖וֹן
in Zion
H6726
צִיּ֖וֹן
in Zion
Strong's:
H6726
Word #:
11 of 19
tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem
מֵֽאַשּׁ֑וּר
of the Assyrian
H804
מֵֽאַשּׁ֑וּר
of the Assyrian
Strong's:
H804
Word #:
12 of 19
ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire
בַּשֵּׁ֣בֶט
thee with a rod
H7626
בַּשֵּׁ֣בֶט
thee with a rod
Strong's:
H7626
Word #:
13 of 19
a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan
יַכֶּ֔כָּה
he shall smite
H5221
יַכֶּ֔כָּה
he shall smite
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
14 of 19
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
וּמַטֵּ֥הוּ
his staff
H4294
וּמַטֵּ֥הוּ
his staff
Strong's:
H4294
Word #:
15 of 19
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
יִשָּֽׂא
and shall lift up
H5375
יִשָּֽׂא
and shall lift up
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
16 of 19
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
עָלֶ֖יךָ
H5921
עָלֶ֖יךָ
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
17 of 19
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
Isaiah 61:3To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.Isaiah 37:6And Isaiah said unto them, Thus shall ye say unto your master, Thus saith the LORD, Be not afraid of the words that thou hast heard, wherewith the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed me.
Historical Context
Delivered before Sennacherib's invasion (701 BC) when the Assyrian threat seemed overwhelming. Despite 185,000 troops besieging Jerusalem, God commanded fearlessness. The fulfillment vindicated this command—God destroyed the army in one night. The Egyptian comparison reminded them of God's past deliverance, encouraging faith that He'd deliver again. Faith in God's character and past works enables courage in present threats.
Questions for Reflection
- How does remembering God's past deliverances strengthen faith during present threats?
- What is the basis for biblical fearlessness—not denying danger but trusting God's promises?
- How do our covenant relationship with God and His presence among us address our fears?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Despite Assyrian threat, God commands His people: 'be not afraid.' The prohibition against fear appears throughout Scripture when God promises deliverance. The address 'O my people that dwellest in Zion' emphasizes covenant relationship—they're God's people with His presence among them (Zion). Though Assyria will 'smite thee with a rod, and shall lift up his staff against thee, after the manner of Egypt,' these are temporary afflictions. The Egyptian comparison recalls bondage from which God delivered them—He can do it again.