Isaiah 10:25

KJV

For yet a very little while, and the indignation shall cease, and mine anger in their destruction.

KJV (with Strong's)

For yet a very {H4213} little while {H4592}, and the indignation {H2195} shall cease {H3615}, and mine anger {H639} in their destruction {H8399}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For in but a little while, my fury will end; and my anger will have destroyed them."

Berean Standard Bible

For in just a little while My fury against you will subside, and My anger will turn to their destruction.”

American Standard Version

For yet a very little while, and the indignation against thee shall be accomplished, and mine anger shall be directed to his destruction.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 10:25 delivers a profound message of divine assurance to Judah, promising a swift and definitive end to God's indignation against His people and, concurrently, the destruction of their Assyrian oppressors. This verse, situated within a broader prophetic warning against Assyrian pride, underscores God's absolute sovereignty over nations and history, declaring that the period of severe judgment and foreign tyranny is temporary and will conclude at His appointed time, leading to the ultimate downfall of those who arrogantly oppose His will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 10:25 is strategically placed within a major prophetic oracle (Isaiah 7-12) that primarily addresses the Assyrian crisis and its implications for Judah. Chapters 7-9 detail the initial threat and the sign of Immanuel, while chapter 10 specifically focuses on God's use of Assyria as a "rod" of discipline for His disobedient people ([Isaiah 10:5](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5 - Assyria as God's Rod")). However, the passage quickly pivots to condemn Assyria's arrogant self-exaltation, as it overstepped its divinely appointed role, attributing its conquests to its own power rather than to God's sovereign hand. Verse 25 serves as a crucial turning point, offering a word of comfort and hope to the remnant of Judah, assuring them that the period of intense divine judgment and the oppressive Assyrian yoke would be temporary, culminating in Assyria's inevitable destruction. This promise sets the stage for the glorious messianic prophecies and the vision of a redeemed remnant in chapters 11-12.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The late 8th century BCE was a period of immense geopolitical upheaval in the Near East, dominated by the relentless expansion of the Neo-Assyrian Empire. Under formidable kings like Tiglath-Pileser III, Shalmaneser V, and Sennacherib, Assyria systematically conquered and subjugated kingdoms, employing brutal tactics such as mass deportation, terror, and forced tribute. Judah, under King Hezekiah, found itself caught between the Assyrian juggernaut and the temptation to form alliances with Egypt or other regional powers, rather than trusting in the Lord. The Assyrian siege of Jerusalem in 701 BCE (recorded in [2 Kings 18-19](/2_kings/18 "2 Kings 18-19 - Sennacherib's Invasion of Judah") and [Isaiah 36-37](/isaiah/36 "Isaiah 36-37 - Sennacherib's Invasion and God's Deliverance")) vividly illustrates the immediate threat. Culturally, the people of Judah were grappling with idolatry and social injustice, which were the primary reasons for God's disciplinary hand, yet they also held to the covenant promises of God's faithfulness and protection for Jerusalem. This verse speaks directly into that tension, offering assurance amidst existential dread.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several foundational themes within Isaiah and biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Control**, emphasizing that God's "indignation" and the very instruments He uses for judgment (like Assyria) operate strictly within His predetermined duration and purpose. No earthly power, however mighty, can thwart His ultimate will or escape His oversight. Secondly, the theme of **Limited Duration of Judgment** offers immense hope; periods of severe trial, oppression, or divine discipline for God's people are not endless but have a set time, promising eventual relief and restoration. This speaks to God's character as both just and merciful. Finally, the verse underscores **Justice for the Oppressor**, declaring that the very nation God used as His "rod" would itself face His righteous judgment for its pride and cruelty. This reinforces God's unwavering commitment to justice, assuring that He will ultimately bring retribution upon the wicked and arrogant ([Psalm 9:16](/psalm/9-16 "Psalm 9:16 - God's Righteous Judgment")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Indignation (Hebrew, _zaʻam'_):** This term (H2195) derives from a root meaning "froth at the mouth," vividly conveying intense divine fury or rage, specifically God's displeasure with sin. In this context, it refers to God's active, righteous wrath manifested in the judgment brought upon Judah through Assyria. The promise that it "shall cease" indicates a definitive, divinely appointed end to this period of intense divine displeasure.
* **Cease (Hebrew, _kâlâh'_):** From a primitive root (H3615), _kâlâh_ signifies "to end," "be finished," or "to be completed." When applied to God's indignation, it denotes a full and final cessation, not merely a pause. It implies that God's purpose in the judgment will be accomplished, and therefore, the means of that judgment (Assyria's oppression) will be brought to a definitive close. This word emphasizes the absolute finality of the declared end.
* **Anger (Hebrew, _ʼaph'_):** This word (H639) literally refers to the "nose" or "nostril," and by extension, the "face." From the rapid breathing associated with intense emotion, it came to signify "ire" or "wrath." In this verse, "mine anger" is a direct reference to God's personal, righteous wrath, which is distinct from the general "indignation" but closely related. The phrase "in their destruction" links God's anger directly to the complete ruin of the oppressors, highlighting the retributive aspect of His divine justice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For yet a very little while,"**: This opening phrase provides immediate comfort and a sense of urgency. The Hebrew words for "very little while" (H4213 _mizʻâr_ and H4592 _mᵉʻaṭ_) emphasize the brevity and limited duration of the impending period of hardship and divine judgment. It assures the faithful remnant that their suffering under Assyrian oppression is not permanent or endless, but has a divinely determined, short lifespan.
* **"and the indignation shall cease,"**: This clause declares the cessation of God's active displeasure and the judgment it entails. The "indignation" (God's righteous wrath against sin, manifested through Assyrian aggression) will come to a complete and definitive end. This signifies that God's disciplinary purpose will be fulfilled, and His people will find relief from the oppressive hand of their enemies.
* **"and mine anger in their destruction."**: This final clause explicitly states the fate of the oppressors. God's "anger" (His personal, righteous wrath) will culminate in the "destruction" (H8399 _tablîyth_, meaning consumption or annihilation) of the Assyrians. This is not merely a cessation of judgment on Judah but a direct, retributive judgment upon the arrogant nation that overstepped its bounds and acted with cruel pride. It underscores God's commitment to justice for His people and against their enemies.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 10:25 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Anthropomorphism** is evident in the depiction of God's "indignation" and "anger," attributing human emotions to the divine to make God's righteous displeasure and active judgment comprehensible to human understanding. This emphasizes the personal nature of God's response to both sin and oppression. The verse also functions as a powerful **Prophecy**, declaring a future event with absolute certainty, thereby offering assurance to a people facing imminent threat. Furthermore, there is a strong element of **Contrast** at play: the temporary nature of God's indignation against His people is contrasted with the permanent "destruction" awaiting their oppressors. This highlights the difference between God's disciplinary love for His covenant people and His righteous wrath against those who defiantly oppose Him. The brevity of "a very little while" also serves as a form of **Understatement** or **Divine Perspective**, as the period of suffering, while perhaps feeling long to those enduring it, is declared as brief from God's eternal viewpoint, reinforcing His ultimate control and perfect timing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 10:25 is a powerful testament to God's unwavering sovereignty and His commitment to justice and redemption. It teaches that even when God uses wicked nations as instruments of His discipline, He remains in ultimate control, and their power is temporary and subject to His will. This verse provides a profound theological truth: God's wrath, though real and severe, is not eternal for His covenant people; it has a divinely appointed end. Simultaneously, it assures that the arrogance and cruelty of oppressors will not go unpunished. This balance of judgment and promise reflects God's righteous character, demonstrating that He is both just in punishing sin and faithful in delivering His people. It foreshadows a greater deliverance from the ultimate oppressor, sin and death, through the work of Christ.

* [Psalm 9:16](/psalm/9-16 "Psalm 9:16 - The Lord is known by the judgment He executes")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride goes before destruction")
* [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - God will wipe away every tear")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 10:25 offers enduring hope and a call to trust in God's perfect timing, even in the midst of overwhelming trials. For believers today, this verse reminds us that no form of oppression, suffering, or difficulty operates outside of God's sovereign control. Whether facing personal hardships, societal injustices, or spiritual battles, we are assured that God's disciplinary hand or the trials He permits are not without purpose, nor are they endless. There is an appointed time when His "indignation shall cease," and deliverance will come. This calls us to cultivate patience, perseverance, and unwavering faith, knowing that God is actively working behind the scenes of history to bring about His righteous ends. It encourages us to pray for justice, to stand firm in truth, and to find comfort in the knowledge that the reign of injustice and evil is always temporary, while God's kingdom is eternal. Our hope is not in the cessation of immediate trouble alone, but in the character of the God who promises it.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of God's indignation ceasing impact your perspective on current struggles or periods of difficulty in your life?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to lose hope when trials seem prolonged, and how can this verse strengthen our trust in God's timing?**
* **How does the assurance of God's justice against oppressors inspire you to pray for or work towards justice in your own community or the world?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the difference between God's discipline for His people and His judgment upon the wicked?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean God's anger is always temporary for everyone?**

Answer: No, this verse specifically addresses God's indignation and anger in the context of His disciplinary judgment upon His covenant people (Judah) and His retributive judgment upon their oppressor (Assyria). For His people, the "indignation" is temporary and purposeful, leading to restoration. For the unrepentant oppressor, God's "anger" leads to "destruction," which is final. The Bible teaches that God's wrath against persistent rebellion and unrepentant sin can lead to eternal separation ([Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Against Ungodliness")). However, for those who turn to Him, His anger is indeed temporary, and He is rich in mercy ([Psalm 30:5](/psalm/30-5 "Psalm 30:5 - His Anger is but for a Moment")).

**What is the significance of "a very little while" when the Assyrian threat lasted for decades?**

Answer: From a human perspective, the Assyrian threat and subsequent Babylonian exile certainly felt like a long period. However, from God's eternal perspective, this period of intense judgment and oppression was indeed "a very little while" compared to His eternal plan and the ultimate, everlasting salvation He would bring. This phrase serves to emphasize God's absolute control over time and history, assuring His people that their suffering, though real, was finite and purposeful within His grand design. It's a reminder that God's timing is perfect, even when it doesn't align with our immediate desires for relief ([2 Peter 3:8](/2_peter/3-8 "2 Peter 3:8 - A Day is as a Thousand Years to the Lord")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 10:25 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "indignation" and "anger" of God, which were partially expressed through the Assyrian rod against Judah, represent the righteous wrath of God against all sin. On the cross, Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the full weight of this divine indignation on behalf of all who believe. His sacrifice at Calvary was the definitive moment when God's wrath against sin "ceased" for those in Christ ([Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Justified by His Blood")). Through His death and resurrection, Christ not only ended the spiritual oppression of sin and death but also secured the ultimate "destruction" of the spiritual oppressors—Satan, sin, and death themselves ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus Destroys the Power of Death")). The "very little while" of suffering for believers in this life is a temporary prelude to the eternal glory and peace secured by Christ, where God will ultimately wipe away every tear, and there will be no more death, sorrow, crying, or pain ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Mourning or Pain")). Thus, Isaiah 10:25 is a prophetic whisper of the decisive victory over divine wrath and the ultimate triumph over all evil that is fully realized in the finished work of Jesus Christ.

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

Daniel 11:36

And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done.

2 Kings 19:35

¶ And it came to pass that night, that the angel of the LORD went out, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians an hundred fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they [were] all dead corpses.

Hebrews 10:37

For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.

Isaiah 31:4

For thus hath the LORD spoken unto me, Like as the lion and the young lion roaring on his prey, when a multitude of shepherds is called forth against him, [he] will not be afraid of their voice, nor abase himself for the noise of them: so shall the LORD of hosts come down to fight for mount Zion, and for the hill thereof.

Isaiah 31:9

And he shall pass over to his strong hold for fear, and his princes shall be afraid of the ensign, saith the LORD, whose fire [is] in Zion, and his furnace in Jerusalem.

Isaiah 10:33

Behold, the Lord, the LORD of hosts, shall lop the bough with terror: and the high ones of stature [shall be] hewn down, and the haughty shall be humbled.

Isaiah 10:34

And he shall cut down the thickets of the forest with iron, and Lebanon shall fall by a mighty one.