Isaiah 10:34
And he shall cut down the thickets of the forest with iron, and Lebanon shall fall by a mighty one.
Original Language Analysis
וְנִקַּ֛ף
And he shall cut down
H5362
וְנִקַּ֛ף
And he shall cut down
Strong's:
H5362
Word #:
1 of 7
to strike with more or less violence (beat, fell, corrode); by implication (of attack) to knock together, i.e., surround or circulate
הַיַּ֖עַר
of the forest
H3293
הַיַּ֖עַר
of the forest
Strong's:
H3293
Word #:
3 of 7
a copse of bushes; hence, a forest; hence, honey in the comb (as hived in trees)
בַּבַּרְזֶ֑ל
with iron
H1270
בַּבַּרְזֶ֑ל
with iron
Strong's:
H1270
Word #:
4 of 7
iron (as cutting); by extension, an iron implement
Historical Context
Fulfilled when God destroyed Sennacherib's army (701 BC). The forest metaphor proved apt—185,000 soldiers fell in one night like trees before an axe. Sennacherib fled back to Nineveh and was assassinated by his sons (Isaiah 37:38). Assyria's 'cedar'-like pride was humbled. Eventually, Babylon completely destroyed Assyria (612 BC), finishing the prophesied fall.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the forest/cedar imagery illustrate the futility of pride and apparent strength against God?
- What does it teach that God Himself is the 'mighty one' who executes judgment personally?
- How should we respond to apparently impenetrable obstacles, knowing God can clear any forest?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The imagery shifts to God as divine forester, cutting down the proud. 'The thickets of the forest' represents Assyria's dense army. God will 'cut them down with iron'—decisive judgment. 'Lebanon shall fall by a mighty one' continues the metaphor—Lebanon's famous tall cedars represent Assyria's pride and strength. The 'mighty one' is God Himself. This poetic imagery captures comprehensive judgment: what seems impenetrable forest is cleared, what seems immovable cedar falls. Nothing withstands divine judgment.