Isaiah 10:5
O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand is mine indignation.
Original Language Analysis
אַשּׁ֖וּר
Assyrian
H804
אַשּׁ֖וּר
Assyrian
Strong's:
H804
Word #:
2 of 8
ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire
שֵׁ֣בֶט
the rod
H7626
שֵׁ֣בֶט
the rod
Strong's:
H7626
Word #:
3 of 8
a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan
אַפִּ֑י
of mine anger
H639
אַפִּ֑י
of mine anger
Strong's:
H639
Word #:
4 of 8
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
וּמַטֶּה
and the staff
H4294
וּמַטֶּה
and the staff
Strong's:
H4294
Word #:
5 of 8
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
ה֥וּא
H1931
ה֥וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
6 of 8
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
Cross References
Isaiah 10:15Shall the axe boast itself against him that heweth therewith? or shall the saw magnify itself against him that shaketh it? as if the rod should shake itself against them that lift it up, or as if the staff should lift up itself, as if it were no wood.Isaiah 30:30And the LORD shall cause his glorious voice to be heard, and shall shew the lighting down of his arm, with the indignation of his anger, and with the flame of a devouring fire, with scattering, and tempest, and hailstones.Isaiah 14:25That I will break the Assyrian in my land, and upon my mountains tread him under foot: then shall his yoke depart from off them, and his burden depart from off their shoulders.Zephaniah 2:13And he will stretch out his hand against the north, and destroy Assyria; and will make Nineveh a desolation, and dry like a wilderness.Isaiah 66:14And when ye see this, your heart shall rejoice, and your bones shall flourish like an herb: and the hand of the LORD shall be known toward his servants, and his indignation toward his enemies.Isaiah 13:5They come from a far country, from the end of heaven, even the LORD, and the weapons of his indignation, to destroy the whole land.
Historical Context
Assyria dominated the ancient Near East (745-612 BC), conquering kingdoms systematically. Yet Isaiah reveals they were unwittingly fulfilling God's purposes. Tiglath-Pileser III, Shalmaneser V, Sargon II, and Sennacherib all thought they acted from imperial ambition, but God directed their campaigns to discipline His people. This demonstrates God's sovereignty over world history—pagan empires serve His redemptive plan.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God use even hostile forces to accomplish His purposes in our lives?
- What does God's sovereignty over pagan nations teach about His control over world events?
- How should recognition that God controls all things affect our response to difficult circumstances?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
A dramatic shift: God addresses Assyria directly as His instrument. 'O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger' reveals that Assyria, though pagan and wicked, serves as God's tool for disciplining Israel. 'The staff in their hand is mine indignation' emphasizes God's complete sovereignty over even hostile nations. This illustrates the Reformed doctrine of providence—God orchestrates all events, even using evil agents to accomplish His righteous purposes. Assyria thinks they act autonomously, but God controls their movements.