Isaiah 33:10

Analysis & Commentary

Now will I rise, saith the LORD (עַתָּה אָקוּם יֹאמַר יְהוָה, attah aqum yomar YHWH)—now (עַתָּה, attah) I will arise (קוּם, qum), declares Yahweh. Now will I be exalted; now will I lift up myself (עַתָּה אֵרוֹמָם עַתָּה אֶנָּשֵׂא, attah eromam attah enase)—now I will be exalted (רוּם, rum), now I will lift myself up (נָשָׂא, nasa).

The threefold 'now' (עַתָּה, attah) marks decisive divine intervention. After patient endurance of Assyrian atrocities (vv. 7-9), God announces: the time has come. The three verbs (arise, be exalted, lift up) emphasize action—God isn't passive observer but active warrior. Psalm 12:5: 'For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the LORD.' When wickedness reaches fullness and God's people cry out, He rises in judgment and deliverance. The divine 'now' may seem delayed by human reckoning, but it comes at the perfect moment.

Historical Context

After Assyria devastated Judah, captured 46 cities, besieged Jerusalem, broke covenants, and destroyed the land (vv. 7-9), God's patience ended. The 'now' came on one night—the angel of the LORD struck 185,000 Assyrian soldiers (Isaiah 37:36). Sennacherib's blasphemous prayer-challenge (Isaiah 37:10-13) triggered divine response (Isaiah 37:21-35). God's timing is perfect—He acts when glory is maximized and need is greatest.

Questions for Reflection

• How does God's 'now' of intervention often come after prolonged waiting that tests faith?
• What does the threefold emphasis (arise, exalted, lift up) reveal about God's decisive action when He finally moves?
• What situations in your life need God's 'now' of intervention—how can you wait faithfully until it comes?