Isaiah Chapter 10 · Verse 32
As yet shall he remain at Nob that day: he shall shake his hand against the mount of the daughter of Zion, the hill of Jerusalem.
Original Language Analysis
ע֥וֹד
H5750
ע֥וֹד
Strong's:
H5750
Word #:
1 of 11
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
הַיּ֖וֹם
that day
H3117
הַיּ֖וֹם
that day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
2 of 11
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
לַֽעֲמֹ֑ד
As yet shall he remain
H5975
לַֽעֲמֹ֑ד
As yet shall he remain
Strong's:
H5975
Word #:
4 of 11
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
יְנֹפֵ֤ף
he shall shake
H5130
יְנֹפֵ֤ף
he shall shake
Strong's:
H5130
Word #:
5 of 11
to quiver (i.e., vibrate up and down, or rock to and fro); used in a great variety of applications (including sprinkling, beckoning, rubbing, bastinad
יָדוֹ֙
his hand
H3027
יָדוֹ֙
his hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
6 of 11
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
הַ֣ר
against the mount
H2022
הַ֣ר
against the mount
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
7 of 11
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
בַּית
H1004
בַּית
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
8 of 11
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
Cross References
1 Samuel 21:1Then came David to Nob to Ahimelech the priest: and Ahimelech was afraid at the meeting of David, and said unto him, Why art thou alone, and no man with thee?Isaiah 19:16In that day shall Egypt be like unto women: and it shall be afraid and fear because of the shaking of the hand of the LORD of hosts, which he shaketh over it.Isaiah 37:22This is the word which the LORD hath spoken concerning him; The virgin, the daughter of Zion, hath despised thee, and laughed thee to scorn; the daughter of Jerusalem hath shaken her head at thee.Zechariah 2:9For, behold, I will shake mine hand upon them, and they shall be a spoil to their servants: and ye shall know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me.1 Samuel 22:19And Nob, the city of the priests, smote he with the edge of the sword, both men and women, children and sucklings, and oxen, and asses, and sheep, with the edge of the sword.
Historical Context
Nob was a priestly city where David received help from Ahimelech (1 Samuel 21:1-9). Its proximity to Jerusalem—visible from the city—made it the last staging ground before assault. When Sennacherib's representative Rabshakeh delivered his threatening speech to Jerusalem (2 Kings 18:17-37), he may have spoken from such a location. The historical fulfillment came when the angel of the Lord struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers (Isaiah 37:36). The hand shaken in threat was withered by divine judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- When enemies of God's purposes seem to stand at the very threshold of victory, what should our response be?
- How does this passage encourage believers facing seemingly overwhelming opposition to the gospel or God's work?
Analysis & Commentary
The climax: 'As yet shall he remain at Nob that day: he shall shake his hand against the mount of the daughter of Zion, the hill of Jerusalem.' Nob, barely a mile from Jerusalem, offers clear view of the city. The enemy stands at the gates, shaking his fist in defiant threat against God's dwelling place. This is the moment of maximum danger—and maximum revelation of God's power. To shake one's hand is a gesture of violent intent and mocking contempt. The Assyrian threatens not just a city but 'the mount of the daughter of Zion'—God's chosen dwelling. This sets up the divine response: when human power directly challenges divine sovereignty, God acts decisively (see 10:33-34; 37:36).