Isaiah 10:20

KJV

¶ And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the remnant of Israel, and such as are escaped of the house of Jacob, shall no more again stay upon him that smote them; but shall stay upon the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, in truth.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall come to pass in that day {H3117}, that the remnant {H7605} of Israel {H3478}, and such as are escaped {H6413} of the house {H1004} of Jacob {H3290}, shall no more again {H3254} stay {H8172} upon him that smote {H5221} them; but shall stay {H8172} upon the LORD {H3068}, the Holy One {H6918} of Israel {H3478}, in truth {H571}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On that day the remnant of Isra'el, those of the house of Ya'akov who escaped, will no longer rely on the man who struck them down, but will truly rely on ADONAI, the Holy One of Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

On that day the remnant of Israel and the survivors of the house of Jacob will no longer depend on him who struck them, but they will truly rely on the LORD, the Holy One of Israel.

American Standard Version

And it shall come to pass in that day, that the remnant of Israel, and they that are escaped of the house of Jacob, shall no more again lean upon him that smote them, but shall lean upon Jehovah, the Holy One of Israel, in truth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 10:20 delivers a powerful prophetic declaration concerning the future restoration of Israel's surviving remnant. Following a period of divine judgment and severe chastisement, this verse foretells a radical and transformative shift in their allegiance and source of trust. No longer will the preserved few rely on the very foreign powers that served as instruments of their affliction; instead, they will turn wholeheartedly and authentically to the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, acknowledging Him as their exclusive and ultimate source of security, truth, and sustenance. This prophecy profoundly underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to preserve a people for Himself and highlights the essential, transformative power of genuine spiritual dependence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a significant prophetic block of Isaiah (chapters 7-12) that primarily addresses the looming threat of the Assyrian Empire and God's intricate plan for both judgment and salvation concerning Judah and Israel. Chapters 7-9 vividly detail the impending divine judgment, with Assyria serving as God's chosen instrument of wrath. However, Isaiah 10 marks a crucial pivot. It begins by pronouncing judgment upon Assyria itself for its arrogant pride and overreach (as seen in [Isaiah 10:5-19](/isaiah/10-5-19 "Isaiah 10:5-19 - God's Judgment on Arrogant Assyria")), demonstrating God's ultimate sovereignty even over the nations He uses. Verse 20 then shifts focus entirely, looking beyond the immediate period of chastisement to a future era of profound spiritual renewal and genuine reliance on God for the surviving "remnant." The subsequent verses (e.g., [Isaiah 10:21-23](/isaiah/10-21-23 "Isaiah 10:21-23 - A Remnant Shall Return")) reinforce the theme of the remnant and God's determined, yet redemptive, judgment. This section then flows into the glorious messianic prophecies of chapters 11-12, which describe the reign of the Branch from Jesse and the ultimate restoration and worship of God's people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for Isaiah's prophecy is the turbulent late 8th century BCE, a period dominated by the relentless expansion and military might of the Neo-Assyrian Empire. Both the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Samaria) and the Southern Kingdom of Judah faced constant existential threats from this superpower. In response, these kingdoms frequently sought political alliances with other powerful nations, such as Egypt or even Assyria itself, as a means of securing their safety, rather than placing their trust solely in the covenant God of Israel. This practice often led to syncretism, idolatry, and deep political entanglements, ultimately incurring divine judgment. Isaiah's prophecies directly confront this pervasive misplaced trust and call the people back to exclusive dependence on Yahweh. The concept of a "remnant" was culturally significant in the ancient Near East, often referring to a surviving portion of a population after a catastrophe. For Israel, however, it carried profound theological weight, affirming God's covenant faithfulness and His commitment to preserve a core group, ensuring the continuation of His redemptive plan and the fulfillment of His promises, even amidst widespread apostasy and devastation.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 10:20 encapsulates several overarching and deeply significant themes prevalent throughout the book of Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. Central among these is the theme of the **Remnant**, which underscores God's sovereign act of preserving a faithful few despite widespread apostasy and severe judgment, as powerfully articulated in passages like [Isaiah 6:13](/isaiah/6-13 "Isaiah 6:13 - The Holy Seed is the Remnant"). This divinely preserved remnant is destined for a radical **Shift in Dependence**, moving away from reliance on human strength, fickle political alliances, or even their oppressors, towards an exclusive and profound trust in God alone. This transformation is powerfully highlighted by the repeated verb "stay upon." The object of this renewed trust is explicitly identified as "the LORD, the Holy One of Israel," a title frequently employed by Isaiah to emphasize God's unique **Holiness and Covenant Faithfulness**. This epithet underscores God's absolute moral purity, His transcendence above all earthly powers, and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people, distinguishing Him sharply from all false gods and human constructs. Finally, the concluding phrase "in truth" signifies that this restored relationship will be characterized by **Authenticity and Sincerity**, a genuine and unreserved commitment to God's ways and character, standing in stark contrast to the superficial or idolatrous practices that previously led to their downfall, as warned against in [Isaiah 29:13](/isaiah/29-13 "Isaiah 29:13 - Lip Service vs. True Worship").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **remnant (Hebrew, _shᵉʼâr'_):** This term (H7605) refers to a remainder or residue, typically implying a small portion that has been preserved after a larger part has been consumed, destroyed, or carried away. In the context of Isaiah, "remnant" carries profound theological significance, denoting not merely a statistical survival but a divinely chosen and preserved group. It signifies God's sovereign act of preserving a faithful few from judgment, thereby ensuring the continuity of His covenant people and the ultimate fulfillment of His redemptive plan. This remnant is the seed of future hope and restoration.
* **stay (Hebrew, _shâʻan'_):** This primitive root (H8172) means "to support one's self," "to lean," "to rely," or "to rest upon." Its emphatic repetition within the verse—"shall no more again stay upon him that smote them; but shall stay upon the LORD"—creates a powerful and deliberate contrast. This repetition underscores a complete and decisive shift in the object of trust and dependence. It conveys a sense of settled, confident reliance, where one's security, stability, and well-being are found exclusively in the chosen support.
* **truth (Hebrew, _ʼemeth'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be firm" or "to be faithful," this word (H571) signifies stability, certainty, trustworthiness, and fidelity. When used in the phrase "in truth," it implies that the renewed dependence on the Lord will be genuine, sincere, and deeply aligned with God's own character of faithfulness and reliability. It contrasts sharply with superficial, feigned, or deceptive allegiances, indicating a relationship built on integrity, authenticity, and a true understanding of God's nature.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall come to pass in that day":** This introductory phrase serves as a classic prophetic marker, signaling a future, divinely appointed time. "That day" in prophetic literature often refers to a significant eschatological or historical period when God intervenes decisively in human affairs, bringing about either judgment, salvation, or both. Here, it specifically points to a time of divine deliverance and profound spiritual restoration for Israel, occurring after a period of severe chastisement.
* **"that the remnant of Israel, and such as are escaped of the house of Jacob":** This clause precisely identifies the beneficiaries of the prophecy. The parallel phrases "the remnant of Israel" and "such as are escaped of the house of Jacob" emphasize that only a portion of God's covenant people will survive the impending judgment and devastation. This surviving group, divinely preserved through the trials, is the specific focus of God's future redemptive work and the inheritors of His promises.
* **"shall no more again stay upon him that smote them":** This clause describes the cessation of a past, misguided, and ultimately destructive behavior. "Him that smote them" refers to the foreign powers, particularly the Assyrian Empire, whom God had used as instruments of His judgment against His disobedient people. Historically, Israel had often sought alliances with such powerful nations for security, or had been forced into subjugation by them. This phrase signifies a definitive and permanent end to reliance on human strength, oppressive regimes, or any worldly entity that has caused them harm, led them astray from God, or proven untrustworthy.
* **"but shall stay upon the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, in truth.":** This is the pivotal and climactic declaration of the verse, outlining the new, proper, and exclusive object of Israel's trust. Instead of relying on fallible human or worldly powers, they will now lean entirely and confidently upon "the LORD" (Yahweh), the personal, covenant-keeping God of Israel. The accompanying title "the Holy One of Israel" profoundly emphasizes His unique, transcendent holiness, His absolute moral perfection, and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. The concluding phrase "in truth" assures that this renewed dependence will be genuine, sincere, and deeply rooted in a right understanding of God's character and will, signifying a complete and authentic spiritual transformation.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 10:20 masterfully employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. **Contrast** is central to the verse's impact, sharply juxtaposing Israel's past reliance on "him that smote them" with their future, exclusive dependence on "the LORD, the Holy One of Israel." This stark contrast highlights the dramatic spiritual transformation envisioned for the remnant. The deliberate **Repetition** of the verb "stay upon" (Hebrew: *shâʻan*) powerfully reinforces this fundamental shift, emphasizing the complete reversal of allegiance and the new, singular focus of their trust. The opening phrase "in that day" functions as a clear **Prophetic Marker**, signaling a significant future event within God's redemptive timeline, often carrying eschatological implications. Furthermore, the descriptive title "the Holy One of Israel" serves as a potent **Epithet**, a recurring and distinctive appellation for God throughout Isaiah. This epithet not only underscores God's unique character and His covenant relationship with His people but also carries deep **Symbolism**, representing God's absolute purity, His moral transcendence, and His distinctness from all pagan deities and human powers, making Him the only worthy object of trust.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 10:20 stands as a profound theological statement on the very nature of true faith and the proper object of human dependence. It powerfully reveals God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people, even in the midst of severe judgment, by sovereignly preserving a remnant. This remnant's radical turning from reliance on human strength and worldly powers to an exclusive trust in "the Holy One of Israel" underscores the fundamental biblical truth that ultimate security, salvation, and flourishing are found in God alone. The verse speaks to the absolute necessity of repentance—a genuine, heart-level transformation where God alone is enthroned as the supreme source of strength, truth, and provision. This divine faithfulness ensures that despite human failure, widespread apostasy, and devastating judgment, God's redemptive purposes will ultimately prevail through a preserved, purified, and genuinely dependent people.

* [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Name of the Lord")
* [Jeremiah 17:5-8](/jeremiah/17-5-8 "Jeremiah 17:5-8 - Cursed is the one who trusts in man, blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord")
* [Romans 9:27-29](/romans/9-27-29 "Romans 9:27-29 - Paul quotes Isaiah on the Remnant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 10:20 offers a timeless and profoundly vital lesson for believers across all generations: the absolute imperative of placing our ultimate, unwavering trust solely in God. In a world characterized by relentless uncertainties, daunting challenges, and constant temptations to rely on human systems, political ideologies, financial security, or even our own perceived strength and wisdom, this verse issues a radical call to reorient the very foundation of our dependence. It compels us to honestly examine where our true security and confidence truly lie. Do we, perhaps subtly, lean on transient powers, fleeting successes, or even past hurts that continue to define us, which may ultimately prove to be "him that smote them"? Or do we confidently and genuinely "stay upon the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, in truth"? This profound dependence necessitates cultivating a deep, authentic, and intimate relationship with God, actively seeking His wisdom, diligently obeying His commands, and finding our ultimate refuge and stability in His unchanging character and unfailing promises. It implies a willingness to relinquish our need for control, surrender our anxieties and fears, and genuinely believe that He is our ultimate provider, protector, and the singular source of all truth and life. This kind of truth-filled, wholehearted dependence is not merely a last resort in times of trouble but the only true and enduring path to profound peace, unshakable stability, and deep spiritual flourishing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "him that smote them" in your life—the worldly systems, self-reliance, or even unresolved past hurts—that you might still be subtly leaning on for security or identity?**
* **In what specific, practical ways can you deepen your "staying upon the LORD" in truth this week, moving beyond mere intellectual assent to genuine, lived dependence?**
* **How does understanding God as "the Holy One of Israel"—His absolute purity, transcendence, and covenant faithfulness—impact and strengthen your trust and reliance on Him in your daily life?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "remnant" in this verse?**

Answer: The "remnant" (Hebrew: *shᵉʼâr*, H7605) is a crucial and recurring theological concept in Isaiah and other prophetic books. It signifies a small, surviving portion of God's people who endure divine judgment. Its significance is multifaceted: first, it powerfully underscores the severity of God's judgment against widespread sin, idolatry, and apostasy, indicating that only a faithful few will escape the full brunt of His wrath. Second, and more importantly, it highlights God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. Despite the pervasive unfaithfulness of the majority, God sovereignly preserves a core group, ensuring the continuity of His people and the ultimate fulfillment of His redemptive plan for humanity. This remnant is often depicted as purified through suffering and destined for a renewed, genuine relationship with God, as further illustrated in [Isaiah 6:13](/isaiah/6-13 "Isaiah 6:13 - The Holy Seed is the Remnant").

**Why is God referred to as "the Holy One of Israel" here?**

Answer: "The Holy One of Israel" (Hebrew: *qâdôwsh Yisrâʼêl*, H6918) is a distinctive and profoundly significant title for God, appearing over 25 times specifically in the book of Isaiah, more than in any other biblical book. Its usage here emphasizes several key aspects of God's character and His unique relationship with Israel. "Holy" (Hebrew: *qâdôwsh*) signifies God's absolute moral purity, His transcendence, and His complete separation from all that is common, defiled, or sinful. By linking this intrinsic holiness specifically to "Israel," the title underscores God's unique covenant relationship with His people, implying His unwavering faithfulness to them despite their failures and His demand for their exclusive devotion. It serves as a powerful reminder that the God they are called to trust is not like the fickle pagan deities or fallible human powers, but is uniquely pure, omnipotent, and utterly trustworthy—the one true God who alone deserves and demands their complete and exclusive allegiance, as further elaborated in [Isaiah 43:3](/isaiah/43-3 "Isaiah 43:3 - God, the Holy One of Israel, as Savior").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 10:20, with its profound prophecy of a remnant turning wholeheartedly to the "Holy One of Israel" in truth, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament motif of the "remnant"—a theme of divine preservation, purification, and faithful continuity—culminates definitively in Christ and in those who are united with Him by faith. While a physical remnant of Israel did experience a measure of restoration after exile, the deeper, spiritual, and ultimate turning "in truth" to the Lord is fully realized through the new covenant established by Jesus. He is the very embodiment of the "Holy One of Israel," the Son of God, who came not merely to gather His people from physical oppression but from the far more profound bondage of sin and death. As the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), Jesus provides the sole means for true reconciliation with God and genuine, unreserved dependence upon Him. The new covenant, inaugurated through His atoning blood, enables believers—both Jew and Gentile—to "stay upon the Lord" in a way that was previously impossible, with a transformed heart and the indwelling Holy Spirit. This spiritual remnant, the Church, is now called to live out this truth-filled reliance, finding their complete security, identity, and eternal hope not in worldly powers, human achievements, or self-effort, but wholly and exclusively in Christ, the one true Lord and Savior, for "there is salvation in no one else" ([Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation in No Other Name")). Through Him, the ancient promise of a people genuinely dependent on God is perfectly and eternally fulfilled.

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

Isaiah 37:31

And the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah shall again take root downward, and bear fruit upward:

Isaiah 37:32

For out of Jerusalem shall go forth a remnant, and they that escape out of mount Zion: the zeal of the LORD of hosts shall do this.

Isaiah 17:7

At that day shall a man look to his Maker, and his eyes shall have respect to the Holy One of Israel.

Isaiah 17:8

And he shall not look to the altars, the work of his hands, neither shall respect [that] which his fingers have made, either the groves, or the images.

Isaiah 1:9

Except the LORD of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom, [and] we should have been like unto Gomorrah.

2 Chronicles 28:20

And Tilgathpilneser king of Assyria came unto him, and distressed him, but strengthened him not.

Isaiah 50:10

¶ Who [is] among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh [in] darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.