Isaiah 10:15

Shall 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.

Shall the axe {H1631} boast {H6286} itself against him that heweth {H2672} therewith? or shall the saw {H4883} magnify {H1431} itself against him that shaketh {H5130} it? as if the rod {H7626} should shake {H5130} itself against them that lift it up {H7311}, or as if the staff {H4294} should lift up {H7311} itself, as if it were no wood {H6086}.

Should the axe glorify itself over the one who chops with it? Should the saw magnify itself over the one who moves it? It's as if a stick could wave the hand that raises it up, or as if a wooden staff could lift [a person, who is] not made of wood.

Does an axe raise itself above the one who swings it? Does a saw boast over him who saws with it? It would be like a rod waving the one who lifts it, or a staff lifting him who is not wood!

Shall the axe boast itself against him that heweth therewith? shall the saw magnify itself against him that wieldeth it? as if a rod should wield them that lift it up, or as if a staff should lift up him that is not wood.

Isaiah 10:15 uses vivid imagery to rebuke the arrogance of the Assyrian Empire, which God had used as an instrument of judgment against Judah. The verse poses rhetorical questions that highlight the absurdity of a tool boasting against its user, emphasizing God's supreme authority over all nations and individuals.

Context of Isaiah 10:15

This verse is part of a larger prophetic section in the Book of Isaiah (chapters 7-12) dealing with God's judgment and ultimate restoration. Specifically, Isaiah 10 describes God's impending judgment upon Assyria. While God had employed Assyria as His "rod of anger" to punish Israel's disobedience (as seen in Isaiah 10:5-6), the Assyrians, in their pride, attributed their conquests to their own strength and wisdom, rather than acknowledging God's hand. This verse serves as God's direct challenge to their self-exalting attitude, reminding them they were merely instruments in His divine plan.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Sovereignty: The primary message is God's absolute control over all things. Just as a carpenter wields an axe or saw, God directs nations and individuals to fulfill His purposes. No power, no matter how mighty, operates outside His ultimate authority. This echoes themes of God's rule over kingdoms found elsewhere, such as in Daniel 4:35.
  • The Folly of Pride: The verse powerfully illustrates the foolishness of human arrogance. For a tool to boast against its master is nonsensical; equally so is for a nation or person to boast against God, the true source of all power and success. This highlights the biblical principle that pride goes before destruction.
  • Instruments, Not Originators: Assyria, despite its military might, was nothing more than an instrument in God's hand. It had no inherent power or wisdom apart from what God allowed. This theme applies to all who achieve power or influence; they are merely tools God uses for His will.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses terms like "axe" (Hebrew: garzen) and "saw" (Hebrew: massor), common woodworking tools, to represent instruments of destruction or building. The "rod" (Hebrew: matteh) and "staff" (Hebrew: maqel) further emphasize the idea of an object being wielded by a user. The verbs "boast itself" (hitpa'er) and "magnify itself" (titgaddeil) convey a strong sense of self-exaltation and taking undue credit, highlighting the extreme arrogance God is rebuking.

Practical Application

Isaiah 10:15 serves as a timeless reminder for individuals and nations alike. It challenges us to:

  • Cultivate Humility: Recognize that any talent, success, or influence we possess is a gift from God. We are His instruments, not independent agents.
  • Acknowledge God's Hand: In times of personal triumph or national prosperity, attribute glory to God, not to human strength or wisdom. Similarly, even in difficult circumstances, acknowledge God's sovereign control.
  • Guard Against Arrogance: This verse warns against the dangers of pride, which blinds us to God's ultimate authority and can lead to a fall, as it did for Assyria. Understanding this principle helps us walk in humility before God and others.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Romans 9:20

    Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed [it], Why hast thou made me thus?

  • Romans 9:21

    Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?

  • Isaiah 45:9

    Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! [Let] the potsherd [strive] with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands?

  • Isaiah 10:5

    ¶ O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand is mine indignation.

  • Isaiah 29:16

    Surely your turning of things upside down shall be esteemed as the potter's clay: for shall the work say of him that made it, He made me not? or shall the thing framed say of him that framed it, He had no understanding?

  • Ezekiel 28:9

    Wilt thou yet say before him that slayeth thee, I [am] God? but thou [shalt be] a man, and no God, in the hand of him that slayeth thee.

  • Jeremiah 51:20

    Thou [art] my battle axe [and] weapons of war: for with thee will I break in pieces the nations, and with thee will I destroy kingdoms;

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