Isaiah 9:11
Therefore the LORD shall set up the adversaries of Rezin against him, and join his enemies together;
Original Language Analysis
וַיְשַׂגֵּ֧ב
shall set up
H7682
וַיְשַׂגֵּ֧ב
shall set up
Strong's:
H7682
Word #:
1 of 9
to be (causatively, make) lofty, especially inaccessible; by implication, safe, strong; used literally and figuratively
יְהוָ֛ה
Therefore the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֛ה
Therefore the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עָלָ֑יו
H5921
עָלָ֑יו
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
6 of 9
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Historical Context
Rezin of Syria allied with Pekah of Israel against Assyria (735-732 BC). God raised up Assyria to defeat Syria first (732 BC), then turn on Israel. The 'adversaries' included not only Assyria but also various peoples Assyria mobilized. By 722 BC, Samaria fell. God's sovereign control over international politics accomplished His declared purposes with precision. The nations were pawns in God's hands, unknowingly executing His judgments.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God sovereignly use even hostile nations and individuals to accomplish His purposes?
- What does divine providence teach about God's complete control over historical events?
- How should recognition of God's sovereignty over nations affect our view of current events?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God responds to pride by intensifying judgment. 'Therefore' indicates consequence—pride brings escalation. 'Set up the adversaries of Rezin against him' refers to Assyria defeating Syria, then turning on Israel who had allied with Syria. 'Join his enemies together' suggests coalitions forming against Israel. God sovereignly orchestrates historical events to accomplish His purposes, even using pagan nations as judgment instruments. This demonstrates the Reformed doctrine of providence—God governs all events, including enemy actions, to fulfill His purposes.