Isaiah 10:23

KJV

For the Lord GOD of hosts shall make a consumption, even determined, in the midst of all the land.

KJV (with Strong's)

For the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069} of hosts {H6635} shall make {H6213} a consumption {H3617}, even determined {H2782}, in the midst {H7130} of all the land {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Adonai ELOHIM-Tzva'ot will bring about this decreed destruction throughout all the land.

Berean Standard Bible

For the Lord GOD of Hosts will carry out the destruction decreed upon the whole land.

American Standard Version

For a full end, and that determined, will the Lord, Jehovah of hosts, make in the midst of all the earth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 10:23 declares a profound and solemn truth regarding God's decisive and comprehensive judgment upon the land. It asserts that the Lord GOD of hosts, the sovereign commander of all creation, has decreed a complete and irreversible "consumption" or destruction. This pronouncement emphasizes the certainty of divine justice, indicating that the judgment is not arbitrary but a fixed and determined act that will sweep across the entire nation, leaving no part untouched.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 10:23 stands as a climactic declaration within a broader section of Isaiah's prophecy (chapters 7-12) that focuses on God's judgment and ultimate restoration. Specifically, it concludes a passage (verses 20-23) that pivots from the judgment of Assyria—God's "rod" of anger against Judah—to the fate of Judah itself. While Assyria is condemned for its arrogance (Isaiah 10:5-19), Judah is also subject to divine discipline. Verse 22, immediately preceding, introduces the concept of a "remnant" who will return, setting up verse 23 as the stark reality of the widespread judgment from which this remnant will be saved. The "consumption, even determined" thus underscores the severity and finality of the judgment that necessitates the preservation of only a few.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Isaiah was delivered during a tumultuous period in Israel's history, primarily in the 8th century BCE, marked by the rising threat of the Assyrian Empire. Judah, like its northern counterpart Israel, had largely turned away from the covenant with Yahweh, engaging in idolatry, social injustice, and reliance on foreign alliances rather than God. The "land" (Hebrew: _ʼerets_) refers specifically to Judah, the southern kingdom. Culturally, the people understood divine judgment as a consequence of covenant infidelity, often manifested through military defeat, exile, and desolation of the land. The phrase "Lord GOD of hosts" would have resonated with their understanding of God as the powerful warrior deity, commander of heavenly armies, capable of executing His will on earth, including through the agency of nations like Assyria.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Isaiah. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, asserting God's absolute control over history, nations, and the destiny of His people. The judgment described is not a random event but a divinely orchestrated and "determined" act, underscoring that God's purposes will prevail. It also highlights **God's Justice and Righteousness**, as the "consumption" is a righteous response to the persistent sin and rebellion of Judah. While severe, this judgment is presented as necessary to uphold God's holiness. Furthermore, when read in conjunction with [Isaiah 10:22](/isaiah/10-22 "Isaiah 10:22 - The Remnant Shall Return"), the verse implicitly reinforces the theme of **The Remnant**, demonstrating that even amidst widespread judgment, God's faithfulness to His covenant promises ensures the preservation of a faithful few. This tension between comprehensive judgment and the preservation of a remnant is a recurring motif throughout Isaiah, as seen in [Isaiah 6:13](/isaiah/6-13 "Isaiah 6:13 - A Holy Seed Remains").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lord GOD of hosts (Hebrew, _ʼĂdônây Yᵉhôvih tsâbâʼ'_):** This composite divine title, combining _ʼĂdônây_ (H136, "Lord," an emphatic form signifying master or owner), _Yᵉhôvih_ (H3069, the covenant name of God, YHWH, used here to avoid repetition of sound after _ʼĂdônây_), and _tsâbâʼ_ (H6635, "hosts" or "armies"), powerfully declares God's supreme authority and universal dominion. He is the sovereign commander of all heavenly and earthly forces, emphasizing His absolute power to execute His decrees with precision and might.
* **consumption (Hebrew, _kâlâh'_):** From H3617, this term signifies a completion, a decisive end, or utter destruction. It implies a thorough and inescapable judgment, where something is brought to an absolute termination. It is not a partial or temporary affliction but a sweeping, final act.
* **determined (Hebrew, _chârats'_):):** From H2782, this word means to cut sharply, to decide, or to decree. When used in the passive form as here, it emphasizes that the "consumption" is not random or contingent but divinely fixed, irreversible, and irrevocably decreed. It conveys God's unwavering resolve and the certainty of His plan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the Lord GOD of hosts":** This opening phrase establishes the divine agent behind the impending action. It identifies God by His most formidable title, emphasizing His absolute sovereignty, omnipotence, and His role as the supreme commander of all creation. This sets the tone for a decree that is both authoritative and unstoppable.
* **"shall make a consumption":** This clause declares the nature of God's action. The "consumption" signifies a complete and thorough ending or destruction, indicating that the judgment will be pervasive and leave nothing untouched. It is a divine act designed to bring a definitive conclusion to a period of sin and rebellion.
* **"even determined":** This phrase further qualifies and intensifies the preceding declaration. It emphasizes that this "consumption" is not accidental or merely a possibility, but rather a divinely decreed, fixed, and unchangeable reality. It underscores the certainty, precision, and irreversible nature of God's judgment.
* **"in the midst of all the land":** This final phrase specifies the scope and universality of the judgment. It indicates that the consumption will not be limited to a specific region or group, but will affect the entire nation of Judah, permeating every aspect of society and geography. This highlights the comprehensive nature of God's righteous decree.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 10:23 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of certain judgment. The prominent use of the **Divine Title** "Lord GOD of hosts" (YHWH Sebaoth) immediately establishes the speaker's supreme authority and power, lending immense weight to the prophetic declaration. The phrase "make a consumption" functions as a **Metaphor** for utter destruction or a definitive end, vividly portraying the severity of the impending judgment. The addition of "even determined" serves as a powerful **Emphasis** through reiteration and intensification, reinforcing the unchangeable and fixed nature of God's decree. This is further amplified by the **Hyperbole** or **Totalizing Language** of "in the midst of all the land," which underscores the pervasive and inescapable reach of this divine judgment, suggesting no one or no place will be exempt from its effects. The entire verse is a direct and declarative **Prophetic Declaration**, designed to instill a sense of awe and dread concerning God's righteous wrath.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 10:23 is a profound statement on divine sovereignty, justice, and the certainty of God's word. It reveals a God who is not merely reactive but actively determines and executes His will in history, particularly in response to sin. The "consumption" is a necessary act of divine righteousness, demonstrating that God cannot tolerate unrepentant rebellion indefinitely. Yet, this stern declaration also subtly points to God's faithfulness, as the very act of judgment serves to purify and preserve a remnant, ensuring the continuity of His covenant promises. This tension between judgment and the preservation of a faithful few is a consistent theme throughout Scripture, showcasing God's character as both just and merciful.

* [Romans 9:28](/romans/9-28 "Romans 9:28 - Paul Quotes Isaiah 10:22-23")
* [Jeremiah 30:11](/jeremiah/30-11 "Jeremiah 30:11 - God's Judgment and Preservation")
* [Nahum 1:9](/nahum/1-9 "Nahum 1:9 - God's Determined End")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 10:23 serves as a timeless and sobering reminder of God's unchanging character: He is holy, just, and sovereign over all things. This verse compels us to acknowledge the seriousness of sin and the certainty of divine judgment against it. It underscores that God's prophetic word is not mere suggestion but an unshakeable decree that will inevitably come to pass. For believers today, this truth should cultivate a healthy reverence for God's holiness and inspire a deeper commitment to living in accordance with His will. It reminds us that while judgment is real, God's ultimate purposes always prevail, and His grace offers a way of escape for those who turn to Him in repentance and faith. It challenges us to examine our own lives, ensuring that we are aligned with His righteous standards and not presuming upon His patience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of God's "determined consumption" shape your understanding of His justice and sovereignty?**
* **In what ways does this verse challenge any complacency you might have regarding sin in your own life or in society?**
* **How can the balance between God's judgment and His preservation of a remnant (as seen in the broader context of Isaiah 10) inform your prayers for the world and the Church?**

### FAQ
**What does "consumption, even determined" truly mean in the context of Isaiah 10:23?**

Answer: The phrase "consumption, even determined" signifies a judgment that is both complete and irrevocably decreed by God. "Consumption" (Hebrew: _kâlâh_) means a thorough ending or destruction, implying that the judgment will be comprehensive and leave nothing untouched. The addition of "determined" (Hebrew: _chârats_) emphasizes that this is not a random event or a contingent outcome, but a divinely fixed and unchangeable decree. It conveys God's unwavering resolve and the absolute certainty that His plan of judgment will be executed precisely as declared, affecting the entire land of Judah.

**How does this verse, which speaks of judgment, relate to God's mercy or the concept of a remnant?**

Answer: While Isaiah 10:23 focuses on the severity and certainty of judgment, it is crucial to understand it within the broader context of Isaiah's prophecy, particularly the verses immediately preceding it. [Isaiah 10:22](/isaiah/10-22 "Isaiah 10:22 - The Remnant Shall Return") explicitly states that "a remnant shall return." This highlights God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, even amidst widespread unfaithfulness. The "determined consumption" is a necessary act of purification and justice against sin, but it is not an act of utter annihilation. God's mercy is seen in His preservation of a faithful remnant, through whom His redemptive purposes will continue. This tension between judgment and the preservation of a remnant is a core theme throughout the book of Isaiah, showcasing God's character as both just and merciful.

**Why is God referred to as "the Lord GOD of hosts" in this context?**

Answer: The title "the Lord GOD of hosts" (Hebrew: _ʼĂdônây Yᵉhôvih tsâbâʼ_) is a powerful and significant divine appellation. "Hosts" (Hebrew: _tsâbâʼ_) refers to armies or multitudes, encompassing both heavenly armies (angels) and earthly forces. By using this title, Isaiah emphasizes God's supreme authority, omnipotence, and His role as the sovereign commander of all creation. In the context of judgment, it underscores that the "consumption" is not a weak or uncertain threat, but a decree issued by the ultimate authority, who possesses all power and resources to ensure its precise and inevitable execution. It reinforces the unchallengeable nature of God's will and His ability to use any means, including foreign empires like Assyria, to achieve His purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 10:23, with its declaration of a "consumption, even determined" upon the land, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The judgment decreed against sin, which Isaiah foretold, was fully borne by Christ on the cross. He became the one upon whom the determined consumption of divine wrath fell, not for His own sin, but for the sins of humanity. As [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us") declares, "For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." Through His sacrifice, Christ absorbed the full, determined judgment that humanity deserved, thereby making a way for a new "remnant" to be saved. This new remnant is the Church, composed of all who believe in Him, called out from the world's condemnation to be a people for His own possession, as seen in [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood"). Furthermore, Christ's return will bring the final, determined judgment upon all unrighteousness, as described in passages like [Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment"), where He, as the Lord GOD of hosts, will execute His perfect justice and establish His eternal kingdom, bringing to a complete end all that opposes His righteous reign. Thus, the "consumption" of Isaiah 10:23 points forward to both the atoning work of Christ and His ultimate triumph over sin and death.

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 28:22

Now therefore be ye not mockers, lest your bands be made strong: for I have heard from the Lord GOD of hosts a consumption, even determined upon the whole earth.

Isaiah 14:26

This [is] the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth: and this [is] the hand that is stretched out upon all the nations.

Isaiah 14:27

For the LORD of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul [it]? and his hand [is] stretched out, and who shall turn it back?

Daniel 4:35

And all the inhabitants of the earth [are] reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and [among] the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?

Romans 9:28

For he will finish the work, and cut [it] short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth.

Isaiah 24:1

¶ Behold, the LORD maketh the earth empty, and maketh it waste, and turneth it upside down, and scattereth abroad the inhabitants thereof.

Isaiah 24:23

Then the moon shall be confounded, and the sun ashamed, when the LORD of hosts shall reign in mount Zion, and in Jerusalem, and before his ancients gloriously.