Isaiah 10:33
Behold, the Lord, the LORD of hosts, shall lop the bough with terror: and the high ones of stature shall be hewn down, and the haughty shall be humbled.
Original Language Analysis
הָאָדוֹן֙
Behold the Lord
H113
הָאָדוֹן֙
Behold the Lord
Strong's:
H113
Word #:
2 of 12
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
יְהוָ֣ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
צְבָא֔וֹת
of hosts
H6635
צְבָא֔וֹת
of hosts
Strong's:
H6635
Word #:
4 of 12
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
פֻּארָ֖ה
the bough
H6288
פֻּארָ֖ה
the bough
Strong's:
H6288
Word #:
6 of 12
properly, ornamentation, i.e., (plural) foliage (including the limbs) as bright green
וְרָמֵ֤י
and the high ones
H7311
וְרָמֵ֤י
and the high ones
Strong's:
H7311
Word #:
8 of 12
to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
גְּדוּעִ֔ים
shall be hewn down
H1438
גְּדוּעִ֔ים
shall be hewn down
Strong's:
H1438
Word #:
10 of 12
to fell a tree; generally, to destroy anything
Cross References
Amos 2:9Yet destroyed I the Amorite before them, whose height was like the height of the cedars, and he was strong as the oaks; yet I destroyed his fruit from above, and his roots from beneath.Isaiah 37:38And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons smote him with the sword; and they escaped into the land of Armenia: and Esar-haddon his son reigned in his stead.
Historical Context
Fulfilled in 701 BC when Sennacherib's army besieged Jerusalem. 2 Kings 18-19 records the taunts and threats. From Nob, Assyrian commanders could see Jerusalem's walls, which they mocked. Yet this proximity to victory became the location of defeat—that very night, God's angel destroyed 185,000 soldiers. The closer enemies get to defying God's holiness, the more certain their judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- How does threatening God's people and His purposes ultimately threaten God Himself?
- What does this teach about the security of those who dwell in God's presence and protection?
- How have you experienced God's deliverance when threats seemed most overwhelming?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The climax: Assyria reaches 'Nob,' a hill overlooking Jerusalem, shaking their fist against 'the mount of the daughter of Zion' and 'the hill of Jerusalem.' This dramatic image captures the moment of greatest threat—the enemy literally at the gates, arrogantly defying God's city. Yet this is also the moment of deliverance. The shaking fist represents proud defiance against God Himself, since Zion is His dwelling place. This guarantees Assyria's defeat—God will not allow His holy hill to be desecrated.