Isaiah 10:16

KJV

Therefore shall the Lord, the Lord of hosts, send among his fat ones leanness; and under his glory he shall kindle a burning like the burning of a fire.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore shall the Lord {H113}, the Lord {H136}{H3068} of hosts {H6635}, send {H7971} among his fat ones {H4924} leanness {H7332}; and under his glory {H3519} he shall kindle {H3344} a burning {H3350} like the burning of a fire {H784}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore the Lord, ADONAI-Tzva'ot, will send leanness to his well-fed ones; and in place of his glory, a fire will be kindled that will burn and burn.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore the Lord GOD of Hosts will send a wasting disease among Assyria’s stout warriors, and under his pomp will be kindled a fire like a burning flame.

American Standard Version

Therefore will the Lord, Jehovah of hosts, send among his fat ones leanness; and under his glory there shall be kindled a burning like the burning of fire.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 10:16 serves as a profound prophetic declaration of God's impending judgment against the arrogant Assyrian Empire. Despite having been sovereignly employed by the Lord as an instrument of discipline against His people, Israel, Assyria's excessive pride, self-exaltation, and ruthless ambition would not go unpunished. This verse vividly portrays the divine intention to dismantle Assyria's perceived strength and splendor, replacing its "fatness" with debilitating "leanness" and igniting a destructive "burning" within its very core, thereby demonstrating that no earthly power, however formidable, can ultimately defy the supreme authority of the Lord of hosts.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 10:16 is situated within a significant prophetic section of the book of Isaiah (chapters 7-12) that meticulously details God's interactions with Judah, the northern kingdom of Israel, and the surrounding nations, with a particular emphasis on the formidable Assyrian threat. In the preceding verses of [Isaiah 10](/isaiah/10 "Isaiah 10 - God's Judgment on Assyria"), the Lord explicitly identifies Assyria as "the rod of my anger" and "the staff in their hand is my indignation" ([Isaiah 10:5](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5 - Assyria as God's Rod")), indicating His sovereign use of this empire to chastise His rebellious people. However, Assyria, steeped in its own hubris, fails to comprehend its role as a mere instrument in God's hand. Instead, it arrogantly boasts of its own military prowess and strategic wisdom, attributing its widespread conquests solely to its own power and intending to utterly destroy nations far beyond God's appointed purpose for discipline ([Isaiah 10:7-11](/isaiah/10-7-11 "Isaiah 10:7-11 - Assyria's Arrogance and Overreach")). Because of this profound arrogance and overreach, God declares His intention to turn His judgment against Assyria itself, making it unequivocally clear that His sovereign plan encompasses both the strategic use and the subsequent judgment of those who act in defiance of His ultimate authority, as powerfully foreshadowed in [Isaiah 10:12](/isaiah/10-12 "Isaiah 10:12 - God's Judgment on Assyria's Pride").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Assyrian Empire was the preeminent geopolitical power in the Near East during the 8th century BCE, the period of Isaiah's prophetic ministry. Renowned for its exceptionally formidable military, its brutal tactics of conquest, and its ruthless subjugation of conquered peoples, Assyria epitomized the zenith of earthly power and pride. Assyrian kings, such as Sennacherib, frequently boasted in their overwhelming strength and the perceived futility of resistance against their might. The vivid imagery of "fat ones" and "glory" in Isaiah 10:16 directly reflects Assyria's perceived prosperity, immense military might, and imperial splendor—a culture that profoundly valued strength, material wealth, and the subjugation of others. The prophecy of "leanness" and "burning" would have been particularly shocking and deeply humiliating to a people so deeply invested in their outward display of power and their self-proclaimed invincibility, signifying a complete and devastating reversal of their fortunes and a divine dismantling of their very identity and perceived invulnerability.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching theological and narrative themes found throughout the book of Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphatically underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Retribution**, asserting that the Lord, specifically identified as the "Lord of hosts," is the ultimate and unchallenged authority over all nations, holding even the most powerful empires fully accountable for their actions and their pervasive pride. Secondly, it highlights the profound theme of the **Reversal of Fortune**, demonstrating with stark clarity that what appears strong, prosperous, and invincible ("his fat ones," "his glory") can be swiftly and utterly brought to ruin by divine decree, thereby emphasizing the inherently transient nature of all worldly power and human glory. Thirdly, the passage vividly portrays **Judgment on Pride**, serving as a stark and enduring warning that God fundamentally opposes the proud and the self-exalting, and that hubris inevitably precedes a devastating fall, echoing timeless biblical sentiments found in passages like [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction"). Finally, the potent imagery of "a burning like the burning of a fire" powerfully signifies a **Consuming Judgment**, a metaphor frequently employed in Scripture to describe God's fierce holiness and His destructive judgment against sin and evil, indicating a thorough, devastating, and complete end to Assyria's dominance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lord (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From הָיָה; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord. This refers to the covenant name of God, often rendered "LORD" (in all caps) in English Bibles. The repetition "the Lord, the Lord of hosts" (combining `ʼâdôwn` and `Yᵉhôvâh` with `tsâbâʼ`) profoundly emphasizes His supreme authority, His role as the sovereign commander of heavenly armies, and His ultimate, unchallenged control over all earthly powers, including the mighty Assyrian Empire. This deliberate choice of divine names highlights that the impending judgment is not random but proceeds directly from the very essence of the holy, covenant-keeping God.
* **fat ones (Hebrew, _mashmân'_):** From שָׁמָן; fat, i.e. (literally and abstractly) fatness; but usually (figuratively and concretely) a rich dish, a fertile field, a robust man; fat (one, -ness, -test, -test place). This word, while literally referring to fatness, is used figuratively here to denote prosperity, robustness, strength, or the most powerful and flourishing elements within a nation. In the specific context of Assyria, it likely refers to its elite warriors, its wealthy and influential citizens, or its abundant resources and formidable military might. The term vividly portrays the nation at its peak, seemingly invincible and well-nourished by its widespread conquests, making the subsequent "leanness" a profoundly striking and ironic contrast.
* **burning (Hebrew, _yᵉqôwd'_):** From יָקַד; a burning; burning. This noun, derived from the verb `yâqad` (to burn, kindle), signifies a consuming fire or a conflagration. When paired with the intensifying phrase "like the burning of a fire" (`ʼêsh`), it dramatically amplifies the imagery of complete and utterly devastating destruction. It suggests an internal decay or a swift, destructive force that consumes from within, diminishing Assyria's impressive power and renowned reputation. This judgment is not merely an external attack but a deep, consuming conflagration that will erode the very foundation of their strength and glory.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore shall the Lord, the Lord of hosts, send among his fat ones leanness;":** This clause initiates the divine declaration of judgment. The double designation of God, "the Lord, the Lord of hosts," emphatically underscores His absolute authority and omnipotence as the one who commands all creation, including vast armies and powerful nations. The act of "sending leanness among his fat ones" is a striking and potent metaphor. "His fat ones" refers to Assyria's most robust, prosperous, and powerful elements—its elite, its immense wealth, and its formidable military strength. "Leanness" signifies a wasting away, a debilitating loss of strength, vitality, and resources. It implies an internal erosion, a divine curse that will cause their prosperity to shrivel and their strength to wane, directly contrasting their former abundance and revealing their vulnerability.
* **"and under his glory he shall kindle a burning like the burning of a fire.":** This second clause further elaborates on the nature and intensity of the impending judgment. "Under his glory" refers to Assyria's splendor, majesty, and formidable reputation—the very essence of its imperial pride and outward display of power. The Lord declares He will "kindle a burning" beneath this magnificent facade. The repetition "like the burning of a fire" intensely emphasizes the ferocity, thoroughness, and destructive nature of this judgment. It suggests a consuming fire that will erupt from within, or beneath, Assyria's very foundation, reducing its magnificent glory to ashes. This is not merely a reduction in power but a devastating, internal combustion that will obliterate its former splendor and leave it utterly consumed.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 10:16 is exceptionally rich with powerful **Imagery** and profound **Metaphor**, which are central to its potent prophetic message. The most prominent is the vivid **contrast** between "fat ones" and "leanness," which powerfully portrays a dramatic reversal of fortune from a state of prosperity and strength to one of emaciation and debilitating weakness. This stark **antithesis** underscores the divine reversal of Assyria's perceived invincibility. The phrase "kindle a burning like the burning of a fire" employs a compelling **Simile** and a forceful **Intensification**, emphasizing the thorough and devastating nature of God's judgment. The pervasive fire imagery is a common biblical **Metaphor** for divine wrath, purifying judgment, and consuming holiness, suggesting an irresistible force that leaves nothing intact. Furthermore, the passage subtly uses **Personification** by referring to Assyria's "glory" as something beneath which a fire can be kindled, treating the abstract concept of national splendor as a tangible entity directly subject to divine destruction. The entire verse functions as a powerful **Prophetic Oracle**, declaring God's absolute sovereign will over human empires and highlighting the ultimate futility of human pride when set against the omnipotent Lord of hosts.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 10:16 profoundly articulates the foundational biblical truth that God is utterly sovereign over all nations and that He holds even the most powerful empires fully accountable for their actions, especially their pervasive pride and egregious injustice. It serves as a potent and enduring reminder that divine judgment is an inevitable consequence for those who exalt themselves against the Most High, even when they are unwittingly used as instruments of His divine will. This passage underscores God's righteous and just character, demonstrating His absolute intolerance for human arrogance and His unwavering commitment to executing perfect justice. The dramatic reversal of Assyria's fortunes from a state of "fatness" to debilitating "leanness" and from magnificent "glory" to consuming "burning" powerfully illustrates that all worldly power and splendor are fleeting, transient, and ultimately subject to the immutable divine will. This profound theological truth calls all people, and indeed all nations, to profound humility and to acknowledge God's ultimate and supreme authority over all creation.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Opposes the Proud")
* [Hebrews 12:29](/hebrews/12-29 "Our God is a Consuming Fire")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 10:16 offers timeless and profoundly relevant lessons for both individuals and nations in every era. It compels us to reflect deeply on the true nature of power and where ultimate authority genuinely resides. In a world often captivated by outward displays of strength, material wealth, and influential dominance, this verse serves as a sobering and necessary reminder that all human achievements, all empires, and all forms of worldly power are inherently finite and utterly dependent on the sovereign will of the "Lord of hosts." For individuals, it calls for a profound and abiding humility, urging us to recognize that any success, prosperity, or "fatness" we experience in life is a gracious gift from God, not merely a product of our own inherent superiority, wisdom, or effort. To boast in our own strength, intellect, or material resources is to invite a spiritual "leanness" and a divine "burning" that can consume our pride and lead to ultimate emptiness. For nations, it stands as a severe warning against imperialistic ambition, the oppression of the weak, and the perilous failure to acknowledge a higher moral and divine authority. It teaches us unequivocally that true security, lasting prosperity, and genuine flourishing come not from military might or economic dominance, but from national righteousness and humble submission to God's immutable ways.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be exhibiting "fatness"—a sense of self-sufficiency, pride in my own accomplishments, or reliance on my own resources—rather than humbly relying on God?**
* **How does the vivid imagery of "leanness" and "burning" challenge my current understanding of success, security, and true flourishing in the world?**
* **What concrete, specific actions can I take this week to cultivate a deeper spirit of humility and more consistently acknowledge God's absolute sovereignty in my daily life and decisions?**
* **How does understanding God's righteous judgment on ancient Assyria inform and shape my prayers and perspectives regarding current global powers, their actions, and the unfolding of world events?**

### FAQ
**Who are "his fat ones" and what does "leanness" signify in this verse?**

Answer: "His fat ones" refers metaphorically to the most prosperous, powerful, or robust elements within Assyria. This could encompass their elite warriors, their wealthy and influential citizens, their abundant resources, or the overall strength, vitality, and perceived invincibility of their empire. It signifies a state of flourishing, abundance, and formidable power. "Leanness," in sharp contrast, signifies a divine judgment that will result in a wasting away, a debilitating loss of strength, vitality, and resources. It implies an internal erosion, a spiritual and physical decline, directly contrasting their former abundance and revealing the inherent fragility of their earthly power when confronted by God's absolute sovereignty.

**Why would God judge Assyria if He was using them as "the rod of His anger" against Israel?**

Answer: God's sovereign use of Assyria as an instrument of judgment against rebellious Israel ([Isaiah 10:5](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5 - Assyria as God's Rod")) does not in any way absolve Assyria of its own profound sin. While God strategically employed them for His divine purposes, Assyria acted purely out of its own wicked intentions, inherent pride, and ruthless cruelty, not out of any obedience or submission to God's will. They arrogantly boasted in their own might and sought to destroy nations far beyond God's intended disciplinary measure for His people ([Isaiah 10:7-11](/isaiah/10-7-11 "Isaiah 10:7-11 - Assyria's Arrogance and Overreach")). God, in His perfect righteousness, holds all nations fully accountable for their moral choices and actions. Therefore, after using Assyria to chastise Israel, God declares that He will then judge Assyria for its excessive pride, blatant arrogance, and unrighteousness, thereby demonstrating His ultimate and unwavering control over history and His steadfast commitment to perfect justice for all.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 10:16, with its vivid and stark portrayal of divine judgment against the proud and self-exalting Assyrian Empire, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound and interconnected ways. Firstly, the "Lord, the Lord of hosts" who sends this devastating judgment is ultimately revealed in the person of Jesus Christ, who is the appointed and righteous Judge of all the earth ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - Jesus as Judge")). The pervasive pride, self-sufficiency, and ruthless ambition of Assyria stand in stark and absolute contrast to the profound humility of Christ, who, though existing in the very form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped or exploited, but instead emptied Himself, taking on the very form of a servant and being born in the likeness of men ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). Where Assyria's "glory" was rooted in conquest, material accumulation, and self-exaltation, Christ's true glory is revealed in His self-sacrificial love, His perfect obedience, and His ultimate triumph over sin and death, culminating in His glorious death and resurrection. The "burning like the burning of a fire" that consumes Assyria's "fatness" and "glory" powerfully foreshadows the consuming holiness of God's unyielding justice against sin. This divine wrath, which would justly fall upon all humanity due to our sin, was fully and completely borne by Christ on the cross, making propitiation for our sins and satisfying the demands of divine justice ([Romans 3:25-26](/romans/3-25-26 "Romans 3:25-26 - Christ's Propitiation and Righteousness")). Through His perfect sacrifice, the "consuming fire" of God's righteous judgment was fully satisfied, thereby opening the way for boundless mercy and grace to be extended to all who believe. Thus, while Assyria's pride led to its "leanness" and ultimate destruction, those who humble themselves before Christ find true spiritual "fatness," abundant life, and eternal "glory" in Him, becoming progressively transformed into His glorious likeness ([2_Corinthians/3-18](/2_corinthians/3-18 "2 Corinthians 3:18 - Transformed into Christ's Image")). The ultimate defeat of all opposing powers, including the pride, arrogance, and spiritual dominions embodied by Assyria, is eternally secured in Christ's decisive triumph over sin, death, and every spiritual principality and power ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities")).

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

2 Chronicles 32:21

And the LORD sent an angel, which cut off all the mighty men of valour, and the leaders and captains in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned with shame of face to his own land. And when he was come into the house of his god, they that came forth of his own bowels slew him there with the sword.

Psalms 106:15

And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.

Acts 12:23

And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.

Isaiah 5:17

Then shall the lambs feed after their manner, and the waste places of the fat ones shall strangers eat.

Isaiah 17:4

And in that day it shall come to pass, [that] the glory of Jacob shall be made thin, and the fatness of his flesh shall wax lean.

Isaiah 33:10

Now will I rise, saith the LORD; now will I be exalted; now will I lift up myself.

Isaiah 33:14

The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?