10:19 10:19

Isaiah 10:20

10:21 10:21

Bible Versions

¶ 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.
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}.
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.
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.
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.

Isaiah 10:20 prophesies a dramatic shift in allegiance and trust for the surviving remnant of Israel after a period of divine judgment. This verse offers hope and a vision of true spiritual restoration.

Context

This prophecy is set against the backdrop of God's impending judgment on Assyria (Isaiah 10:5-19), whom He used as a tool to chastise His people, Israel. However, Assyria’s arrogance and self-exaltation led to their own prophesied downfall. "That day" refers to a future time of deliverance and renewal for Israel, following their humbling experiences under foreign oppression, particularly from Assyria. It marks a transition from relying on human powers or misguided alliances to a genuine dependence on the Lord.

Key Themes

  • The Remnant: The verse highlights that only a small portion, "the remnant of Israel," will survive the judgment. This concept is vital throughout prophetic literature, underscoring God's faithfulness to preserve a chosen people despite widespread apostasy and judgment. For another instance of this theme, see Romans 9:27.
  • Shift in Dependence: The core message is a radical change in trust. Israel will "no more again stay upon him that smote them" (i.e., foreign powers or oppressors like Assyria), but instead "shall stay upon the LORD." This signifies a turning away from reliance on human strength, political alliances, or even false gods that led to their downfall.
  • The Holy One of Israel: This powerful title, frequently used by Isaiah, emphasizes God's unique holiness, moral purity, and covenant faithfulness. It underscores that the object of their new trust is the one true, transcendent God, distinct from all pagan deities. Isaiah 41:14 also uses this title to describe God as Redeemer.
  • Truth and Sincerity: The phrase "in truth" indicates that this renewed dependence will be genuine, sincere, and aligned with God's character, unlike their previous superficial or idolatrous practices.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew verb translated "stay upon" is sha'an (שָׁעַן), meaning to lean, rely, or support oneself upon. Its repetition and contrast in the verse emphasize the complete reversal of Israel's previous posture. They will cease leaning on those who hurt them and instead lean wholly on the Lord, implying a profound shift in their spiritual and national identity.

Practical Application

Isaiah 10:20 provides a timeless lesson on where our ultimate trust should lie. In times of difficulty, it's easy to seek help from human sources, systems, or even those who may have caused us harm, hoping for a temporary reprieve. However, this verse calls us to a deeper, more profound reliance on God alone. It encourages us to:

  • Examine Our Dependencies: Are we leaning on our own strength, worldly systems, or even past oppressors for security or solutions?
  • Turn to God: True and lasting peace comes from trusting the "Holy One of Israel." This means seeking His will, obeying His commands, and finding refuge in His character. As Psalm 20:7 reminds us, "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God."
  • Live in Truth: Our dependence on God should be authentic and sincere, not merely outward show or a last resort. This involves genuine repentance and and a commitment to living according to His ways.

This prophecy ultimately points to a future where God's people, having been refined through judgment, will finally recognize and wholly depend on their true Deliverer, the Lord Himself.

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.

  • 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.
 Back

Search Scripture