Isaiah 10:14

KJV

And my hand hath found as a nest the riches of the people: and as one gathereth eggs [that are] left, have I gathered all the earth; and there was none that moved the wing, or opened the mouth, or peeped.

KJV (with Strong's)

And my hand {H3027} hath found {H4672} as a nest {H7064} the riches {H2428} of the people {H5971}: and as one gathereth {H622} eggs {H1000} that are left {H5800}, have I gathered {H622} all the earth {H776}; and there was none that moved {H5074} the wing {H3671}, or opened {H6475} the mouth {H6310}, or peeped {H6850}.

Complete Jewish Bible

My hand found the riches of the peoples like a nest; and as one gathers abandoned eggs, I gathered the whole earth! Not one wing fluttered, not one beak opened or let out a chirp!'"

Berean Standard Bible

My hand reached as into a nest to seize the wealth of the nations. Like one gathering abandoned eggs, I gathered all the earth. No wing fluttered, no beak opened or chirped.’”

American Standard Version

and my hand hath found as a nest the riches of the peoples; and as one gathereth eggs that are forsaken, have I gathered all the earth: and there was none that moved the wing, or that opened the mouth, or chirped.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 10:14 captures the audacious boast of the Assyrian king, who, in his pride, attributes his overwhelming conquests and the effortless plundering of nations to his own strength and wisdom. He likens his victories to finding an undefended bird's nest and gathering abandoned eggs, signifying a complete lack of resistance from the conquered peoples. This verse serves as a stark portrayal of human arrogance, setting the stage for the divine judgment that will inevitably fall upon Assyria for its hubris and failure to acknowledge God's sovereign hand in its rise to power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a significant prophetic section of Isaiah (chapters 7-12) that addresses God's impending judgment, first upon Judah for its disobedience, and then upon Assyria, the very instrument God uses for this judgment. Earlier in [Isaiah 10](/isaiah/10 "Isaiah 10 - God's Judgment on Assyria"), particularly in [Isaiah 10:5-7](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5-7 - Assyria as God's Rod"), the Lord explicitly declares Assyria to be "the rod of my anger," wielding it against a disobedient Israel. However, the Assyrian king, unaware or unconcerned with his role as a divine tool, attributes his immense success and easy victories solely to his own might and strategic brilliance. The verses immediately following [Isaiah 10:14](/isaiah/10-14 "Isaiah 10:14 - Assyria's Boast") ([Isaiah 10:15-19](/isaiah/10-15 "Isaiah 10:15-19 - God's Judgment on Assyria's Pride")) pivot sharply to God's condemnation of Assyria's arrogance, demonstrating that the instrument will also face accountability for its prideful actions.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Assyrian Empire, particularly during the 8th and 7th centuries BCE, was the dominant superpower in the ancient Near East, renowned for its formidable military and ruthless conquest strategies. Their campaigns were characterized by swift, brutal efficiency, often involving the deportation of conquered peoples and the systematic plundering of their wealth. The imagery of "finding a nest" and "gathering eggs" would have resonated powerfully with an audience familiar with the common practice of collecting wild bird eggs, which were easily accessible and offered no resistance. This metaphor underscores the Assyrian king's perception of the conquered nations as utterly helpless and undefended, ripe for the taking. Geographically, Assyria's expansion stretched across vast territories, including lands that would have been familiar to Isaiah's audience, reinforcing the king's boast of having "gathered all the earth."
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme permeating [Isaiah 10](/isaiah/10 "Isaiah 10 - God's Judgment on Arrogant Assyria") and highlighted in this verse is the profound contrast between **Human Arrogance and Divine Sovereignty**. The Assyrian king's self-exalting pride, evident in phrases like "my hand hath found" and "I have gathered," stands in direct opposition to God's ultimate control over all nations and events. This hubris is precisely what precipitates Assyria's downfall, as God will not share His glory with another, nor tolerate such insolence from His unwitting instruments ([Isaiah 42:8](/isaiah/42-8 "Isaiah 42:8 - God's Glory Alone")). Another significant theme is **Effortless Conquest from the Conqueror's Perspective**. The vivid imagery of the undefended nest and the unresisting eggs vividly portrays the Assyrian perception of their campaigns as simple, uncontested acquisitions of immense wealth and territory. The repeated emphasis on "none that moved the wing, or opened the mouth, or peeped" signifies a total absence of effective resistance, alarm, or even a cry of protest from the vanquished nations, reinforcing the king's inflated sense of absolute power.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** From H3027, this primitive word refers to the open hand, indicating power, means, and direction. In this context, "my hand" signifies the Assyrian king's personal agency, strength, and dominion, emphasizing his self-attributed power in conquest. It underscores his belief that his victories are solely a product of his own might, rather than divine orchestration.
* **riches (Hebrew, _chayil'_):** From H2428, this term denotes force, whether of men, means, or other resources, encompassing wealth, valor, and strength. Here, "the riches of the people" refers to the vast material wealth, resources, and even the human capital (people themselves) plundered from the conquered nations. The king sees these as valuable spoils, easily acquired.
* **peeped (Hebrew, _tsâphaph'_):** From H6850, this primitive root means to coo or chirp, as a bird, or figuratively, to chatter or whisper. In the context of the verse, "none that... peeped" signifies the complete silence and lack of any protest, cry, or even a faint sound of resistance from the conquered peoples. It emphasizes their utter helplessness and the Assyrian king's perception of their silent, absolute submission.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And my hand hath found as a nest the riches of the people:":** The Assyrian king boasts that his own power ("my hand") has effortlessly discovered and seized the wealth ("riches") of the nations. The comparison "as a nest" implies that these riches were undefended, easily accessible, and ripe for the taking, much like finding a bird's nest with its vulnerable contents. This highlights the king's perception of his conquests as simple and uncontested.
* **"and as one gathereth eggs [that are] left, have I gathered all the earth;":** This clause extends the metaphor, likening the gathering of national wealth and territory to collecting abandoned eggs. "Eggs that are left" further emphasizes the lack of protection or ownership, suggesting that the nations were so weak or desolate that their treasures were simply lying exposed. The phrase "have I gathered all the earth" is a hyperbole reflecting the king's inflated self-perception of universal dominion and uncontested control over vast territories.
* **"and there was none that moved the wing, or opened the mouth, or peeped.":** This powerful tripartite negation underscores the absolute lack of resistance. "Moved the wing" suggests no attempt to flee or defend; "opened the mouth" implies no cry of alarm or protest; and "peeped" (a sound typically made by a young bird) signifies not even the weakest, most vulnerable sound of objection. This imagery portrays the conquered nations as utterly helpless, silent, and completely subdued, reinforcing the Assyrian king's arrogant belief in his unchallengeable power.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 10:14 is rich in **Simile**, comparing the seizure of national wealth to "finding as a nest the riches of the people" and the conquest of the earth to gathering "eggs that are left." These comparisons vividly convey the Assyrian king's perception of effortless and unresisted acquisition. The verse also employs **Hyperbole** in the declaration "have I gathered all the earth," exaggerating the extent of his conquests to emphasize his perceived absolute dominion. Furthermore, there is a subtle form of **Personification** or **Anthropomorphism** where the conquered nations are implicitly likened to vulnerable, silent birds or their young, unable to "move the wing, or open the mouth, or peep," thereby highlighting their utter subjugation and lack of agency in the face of Assyrian power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates the biblical theme of human hubris confronting divine sovereignty. The Assyrian king's boast is a classic example of pride that precedes a fall, directly challenging God's ultimate authority over nations and their destinies. While God explicitly used Assyria as His "rod" to punish Israel, the king's failure to acknowledge this divine orchestration and his attribution of all success to his own might constitutes a grave theological error. This passage serves as a timeless reminder that all power and authority ultimately reside with God, and those who exalt themselves above Him will inevitably face His judgment. The ease of Assyria's conquests, as described by the king, ironically foreshadows the ease with which God will bring about Assyria's own downfall, demonstrating that no human power, however great, can stand against the Lord of Hosts.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in the Hand of the Lord")
* [Daniel 4:34-35](/daniel/4-34 "Daniel 4:34-35 - Nebuchadnezzar's Praise of God's Sovereignty")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 10:14 offers a profound mirror for self-examination, challenging us to consider where we attribute our successes and achievements. In a world that often glorifies self-made individuals and independent strength, the Assyrian king's boast serves as a potent warning against the insidious nature of pride. When we achieve professional success, accumulate wealth, or experience personal triumphs, it is easy to fall into the trap of believing that these outcomes are solely the result of our own intelligence, hard work, or strategic prowess. This verse calls us to cultivate a posture of humility, recognizing that every ability, every opportunity, and indeed, every breath, is a gift from God. True wisdom lies not in self-exaltation, but in acknowledging God's sovereign hand in all circumstances, giving Him the glory for every good thing. This perspective fosters gratitude, guards against arrogance, and aligns our hearts with the one who truly holds all power and authority, preventing us from becoming like the Assyrian king, whose pride led to his ultimate downfall.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to attribute success solely to my own efforts, rather than acknowledging God's grace and sovereignty?**
* **How does the imagery of "gathering eggs that are left" challenge my view of power and vulnerability in the world today?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper sense of humility and gratitude for God's provision in my daily life?**
* **How does understanding God's judgment on Assyria's pride inform my prayers for leaders and nations today?**

### FAQ
**What was the Assyrian king's primary error in this verse?**

Answer: The Assyrian king's primary error, as depicted in [Isaiah 10:14](/isaiah/10-14 "Isaiah 10:14 - Assyria's Arrogant Boast"), was his profound arrogance and self-exaltation. He attributed his overwhelming military successes and the effortless plundering of nations entirely to his own strength, wisdom, and strategic genius, boasting, "my hand hath found... I have gathered." This complete disregard for God's sovereignty, especially after God had explicitly declared Assyria to be His instrument ([Isaiah 10:5](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5 - Assyria as God's Rod")), constituted a direct affront to the Lord. His error was failing to acknowledge that he was merely a tool in God's hands, not the ultimate source of his own power or victories.

**How does this verse relate to the broader message of Isaiah?**

Answer: [Isaiah 10:14](/isaiah/10-14 "Isaiah 10:14 - The Assyrian King's Boast") is central to Isaiah's broader message, which emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and His unwavering commitment to justice. While God uses nations like Assyria to execute His judgment against disobedient Israel, Isaiah consistently warns that these instruments of divine wrath are themselves accountable for their pride, cruelty, and idolatry. This verse highlights the Assyrian king's hubris, which directly sets the stage for God's subsequent judgment against Assyria itself, as detailed in the latter half of [Isaiah 10](/isaiah/10 "Isaiah 10 - God's Judgment on Assyria") and beyond. It reinforces the theme that God alone is King, and no human power can ultimately defy His will or claim His glory.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 10:14 vividly portrays the destructive pride of a human king, it implicitly points to the ultimate King, Jesus Christ, who embodies the antithesis of Assyrian arrogance. The Assyrian king boasts of effortless conquest and absolute dominion achieved through brute force and self-exaltation, leaving behind silent, plundered victims. In stark contrast, Christ's conquest is not one of earthly dominion but of spiritual victory, achieved through humility and self-sacrifice. He "found" the lost, not as a predator finding a nest of riches, but as a shepherd seeking His scattered sheep, gathering them into His fold not by force but by love and grace ([John 10:16](/john/10-16 "John 10:16 - Jesus the Good Shepherd")). Unlike the Assyrian king who demanded silent submission, Christ invites all to "open the mouth" in confession and praise, offering liberty to the captives and sight to the blind, fulfilling the very prophecies of Isaiah concerning the Messiah ([Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Mission Statement")). His reign, though universal, is characterized by meekness and service, a radical departure from the tyrannical rule of earthly empires. Ultimately, the Assyrian king's boast of having "gathered all the earth" is a hollow echo of Christ's true and righteous authority, for it is to Jesus that "every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - The Exaltation of Christ")). His is the victory that leaves no one silenced by oppression, but rather liberates them to sing His praise.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Job 31:25

If I rejoiced because my wealth [was] great, and because mine hand had gotten much;

Proverbs 21:6

¶ The getting of treasures by a lying tongue [is] a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.

Proverbs 21:7

¶ The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.

Jeremiah 49:16

Thy terribleness hath deceived thee, [and] the pride of thine heart, O thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, that holdest the height of the hill: though thou shouldest make thy nest as high as the eagle, I will bring thee down from thence, saith the LORD.

Nahum 2:9

Take ye the spoil of silver, take the spoil of gold: for [there is] none end of the store [and] glory out of all the pleasant furniture.

Nahum 3:1

¶ Woe to the bloody city! it [is] all full of lies [and] robbery; the prey departeth not;

Isaiah 5:8

¶ Woe unto them that join house to house, [that] lay field to field, till [there be] no place, that they may be placed alone in the midst of the earth!