Isaiah 25:10
For in this mountain shall the hand of the LORD rest, and Moab shall be trodden down under him, even as straw is trodden down for the dunghill.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
תָנ֥וּחַ
rest
H5117
תָנ֥וּחַ
rest
Strong's:
H5117
Word #:
2 of 13
to rest, i.e., settle down; used in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, intransitive, transitive and causative (to dwell, stay, l
יַד
shall the hand
H3027
יַד
shall the hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
3 of 13
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
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
בָּהָ֣ר
For in this mountain
H2022
בָּהָ֣ר
For in this mountain
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
5 of 13
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
הַזֶּ֑ה
H2088
מוֹאָב֙
and Moab
H4124
מוֹאָב֙
and Moab
Strong's:
H4124
Word #:
8 of 13
moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants
תַּחְתָּ֔יו
H8478
תַּחְתָּ֔יו
Strong's:
H8478
Word #:
9 of 13
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
בְּמ֥יֹ
H4325
Cross References
Isaiah 25:6And in this mountain shall the LORD of hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined.Jeremiah 48:2There shall be no more praise of Moab: in Heshbon they have devised evil against it; come, and let us cut it off from being a nation. Also thou shalt be cut down, O Madmen; the sword shall pursue thee.Zephaniah 2:9Therefore as I live, saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, Surely Moab shall be as Sodom, and the children of Ammon as Gomorrah, even the breeding of nettles, and saltpits, and a perpetual desolation: the residue of my people shall spoil them, and the remnant of my people shall possess them.
Historical Context
Moab had been Israel's rival since the wilderness period. They hired Balaam to curse Israel (Numbers 22-24), oppressed Israel during the Judges (Judges 3:12-30), and showed hostility through the monarchy. By Isaiah's time, Moab represented the type of enemy who mocked God's people (Zephaniah 2:8-10). Their judgment symbolizes all anti-God powers' ultimate defeat.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's blessing on His people necessarily involve judgment on His enemies—and why can't these be separated?
- What does Moab represent in Christian experience—what enemies of faith must be 'trodden down' for God's kingdom to rest?
- How should believers balance rejoicing in God's triumph with grief over the wicked's destruction?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For in this mountain shall the hand of the LORD rest (כִּי־תָנוּחַ יַד־יְהוָה בָּהָר הַזֶּה)—Mount Zion becomes the resting place of God's yad (hand, power). The verb nuach (rest, settle, remain) indicates permanent presence. God's hand, which scattered enemies, now rests protectively on His people. And Moab shall be trodden down under him—Suddenly the verse pivots from Israel's blessing to Moab's judgment. Moab, Israel's ancient enemy (descended from Lot, Genesis 19:37), represents all who oppose God's purposes. The verb dush (thresh, trample) describes grain being trampled on threshing floors.
Even as straw is trodden down for the dunghill (כְּהִדּוּשׁ מַתְבֵּן בְּמוֹ מַדְמֵנָה)—The Hebrew madmenah (dunghill, manure pit) is literally 'Madmenah,' punning on a Moabite city while meaning dung. Straw trampled into manure pits becomes worthless waste. This harsh imagery contrasts Israel's exaltation with enemies' humiliation. Moab's pride (Isaiah 16:6) receives its comeuppance. The theological principle: God's blessing on His people necessitates judgment on His enemies. These aren't separate realities but two sides of one coin. When God's hand rests on Zion, it presses down on Moab. The kingdom's establishment defeats all opposition—a theme Revelation depicts as Christ treading the winepress of God's wrath (Revelation 19:15).