Isaiah 10:26

KJV

And the LORD of hosts shall stir up a scourge for him according to the slaughter of Midian at the rock of Oreb: and [as] his rod [was] upon the sea, so shall he lift it up after the manner of Egypt.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635} shall stir up {H5782} a scourge {H7752} for him according to the slaughter {H4347} of Midian {H4080} at the rock {H6697} of Oreb {H6159}: and as his rod {H4294} was upon the sea {H3220}, so shall he lift it up {H5375} after the manner {H1870} of Egypt {H4714}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI-Tzva'ot will wield a whip against them, as he did when striking Midyan at the Rock of 'Orev; as his staff was over the sea, he will raise it, the way it was in Egypt.

Berean Standard Bible

And the LORD of Hosts will brandish a whip against them, as when He struck Midian at the rock of Oreb. He will raise His staff over the sea, as He did in Egypt.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah of hosts will stir up against him a scourge, as in the slaughter of Midian at the rock of Oreb: and his rod will be over the sea, and he will lift it up after the manner of Egypt.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 10:26 delivers a powerful prophetic assurance of God's decisive judgment against the oppressive Assyrian Empire, promising its utter destruction. The Lord of hosts declares He will raise a "scourge" against Assyria, likening their impending defeat to two of Israel's most significant historical deliverances: Gideon's miraculous victory over Midian at the rock of Oreb, and the dramatic parting of the Red Sea that destroyed Pharaoh's army. This verse underscores God's absolute sovereignty over nations and His unwavering commitment to deliver His people from their oppressors, demonstrating that no power, however formidable, can withstand His divine will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 10:26 is nestled within a larger prophetic oracle (Isaiah 10:5-34) that primarily addresses God's use of Assyria as an instrument of judgment against Judah, followed by a declaration of Assyria's own impending downfall due to its excessive pride and cruelty. The preceding verses (Isaiah 10:24-25) offer words of comfort and reassurance to Judah, urging them not to fear Assyria, for God's indignation against them will soon cease. Verse 26 then provides the concrete imagery and historical precedents for this promised divine intervention, setting the stage for the detailed description of Assyria's coming destruction in the subsequent verses (Isaiah 10:28-34). It transitions from a general promise of relief to specific, powerful historical allusions that would resonate deeply with an Israelite audience.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the late 8th century BCE, a period dominated by the menacing expansion of the Neo-Assyrian Empire. Assyria, under kings like Tiglath-Pileser III, Shalmaneser V, and Sennacherib, had become the preeminent power in the ancient Near East, known for its brutal military campaigns, deportations, and ruthless suppression of rebellions. Judah, under King Hezekiah, faced constant threat and eventually siege from Assyria. The references to "Midian at the rock of Oreb" and "the manner of Egypt" evoke two pivotal moments in Israel's history: Gideon's divinely empowered victory over the Midianites (Judges 7-8), a numerically superior foe, and the Exodus from Egypt (Exodus 14), where God miraculously delivered His people by destroying Pharaoh's army in the Red Sea. These events were foundational to Israel's national identity and understanding of God's saving power, serving as powerful cultural touchstones for divine intervention against overwhelming odds.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent in the Book of Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, emphasizing that God is the ultimate ruler of all nations, raising them up and bringing them down according to His righteous will. Even when He uses a nation like Assyria as His "rod" (as seen in [Isaiah 10:5](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5 - Assyria as God's Instrument")), He holds them accountable for their pride and cruelty, as highlighted in [Isaiah 10:12](/isaiah/10-12 "Isaiah 10:12 - God's Judgment on Assyria's Pride"). Another crucial theme is **God's Faithfulness and Deliverance of His People**. By recalling past, miraculous interventions like the defeat of Midian and the Exodus, the verse assures Judah that God's power to save remains undiminished, and His covenant promises to protect Israel will be fulfilled, even in the face of insurmountable threats. Finally, the imagery points to **God's Irresistible Power**, demonstrating that His actions are decisive and complete, capable of utterly dismantling the mightiest empires.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **scourge (Hebrew, _shôwṭ'_):** This term refers to a lash or whip, used literally for punishment but here figuratively for a severe instrument of divine judgment. The imagery suggests a painful, decisive, and humiliating defeat inflicted by God Himself. It implies a direct, forceful action designed to bring about complete submission or destruction.
* **rod (Hebrew, _maṭṭeh'_):** While often referring to a staff for walking or a tribal branch, here it specifically denotes a rod of authority, power, or chastisement. In the context of "his rod was upon the sea," it directly alludes to Moses' staff, which was instrumental in the Red Sea miracle. Thus, it symbolizes God's instrument of miraculous power and judgment, wielded to bring about deliverance for His people and destruction for their enemies.
* **manner (Hebrew, _derek'_):** This word signifies a road, a course of life, or a mode of action. In the phrase "after the manner of Egypt," it means "in the way of" or "in the style of" Egypt. It indicates that the impending judgment on Assyria will not merely be *similar* to the Exodus but will be executed with the same divine power, decisiveness, and overwhelming effect that characterized God's intervention against Egypt. It guarantees a repetition of God's historical modus operandi against oppressors.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD of hosts shall stir up a scourge for him":** This opening clause immediately establishes God's initiative and supreme authority. "The LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) emphasizes His command over all heavenly and earthly armies, signifying His omnipotence. He will actively "stir up" or rouse a means of punishment—a "scourge"—specifically directed at Assyria ("for him"). This indicates a divinely orchestrated, painful, and decisive judgment.
* **"according to the slaughter of Midian at the rock of Oreb":** This phrase provides the first historical parallel, recalling Gideon's victory over the Midianites (Judges 7-8). The "slaughter of Midian" was a miraculous, divinely empowered defeat of a vast enemy by a small, unlikely Israelite force. The "rock of Oreb" was where the Midianite prince Oreb was killed, symbolizing the decisive end of Midianite oppression. This comparison promises that Assyria's defeat will be similarly overwhelming, complete, and orchestrated by God, not by human might.
* **"and as his rod was upon the sea, so shall he lift it up after the manner of Egypt.":** This second parallel draws upon the Exodus narrative, specifically the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14). "His rod upon the sea" refers to Moses' staff, used by God to divide the waters and destroy the Egyptian army. The phrase "so shall he lift it up after the manner of Egypt" means God will act against Assyria with the same power, decisiveness, and destructive force He displayed against Pharaoh and his army. It promises a complete and final deliverance for Judah, mirroring the ultimate liberation from Egyptian bondage.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 10:26 is rich in **Allusion**, referencing two pivotal historical events—Gideon's victory over Midian and the Exodus from Egypt—to underscore the certainty and nature of God's future intervention. These allusions serve as powerful **Analogies**, drawing parallels between past acts of divine deliverance and the promised destruction of Assyria, assuring the audience that God's power remains consistent and effective. The phrase "stir up a **scourge**" employs **Metaphor**, portraying God's judgment as a painful, disciplinary instrument. The repeated emphasis on God's action ("shall stir up," "shall he lift it up") highlights His **Sovereignty** as the primary agent of history. The use of the title "LORD of hosts" is a form of **Epithet**, emphasizing God's omnipotence and control over all forces, both heavenly and earthly, reinforcing the inevitability of Assyria's downfall.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 10:26 is a profound declaration of God's unwavering justice and His sovereign control over the rise and fall of nations. It teaches that even when God uses oppressive powers as instruments for His purposes, He holds them accountable for their pride and cruelty. The verse assures believers that no human empire, no matter how formidable, can ultimately thwart God's plans or escape His righteous judgment. It reinforces the theological truth that God is the ultimate deliverer of His people, and His past acts of salvation serve as a guarantee of His future faithfulness. This passage provides immense comfort, reminding us that our hope is not in political alliances or military might, but in the omnipotent "LORD of hosts" who tirelessly works to bring justice and liberation.

* [Psalm 46:1](/psalm/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God is our refuge and strength")
* [Nahum 1:3](/nahum/1-3 "Nahum 1:3 - The Lord is slow to anger but great in power")
* [Revelation 19:11](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11 - Christ, the Faithful and True Judge")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 10:26 offers a powerful reminder that God is actively involved in the affairs of humanity, orchestrating events to fulfill His righteous purposes. In a world often dominated by oppressive systems, powerful nations, or seemingly insurmountable personal challenges, this verse provides a profound source of hope and courage. It calls us to trust in the "LORD of hosts," whose power is not diminished by the passage of time or the might of any earthly foe. Just as He delivered Israel from the Midianites and the Egyptians, He is capable of delivering us from our own "Assyrias"—whether they be spiritual strongholds, societal injustices, or personal struggles. This passage encourages us to look beyond immediate circumstances to the sovereign hand of God, who is faithful to bring justice, provide deliverance, and ultimately establish His kingdom. It challenges us to align our lives with His righteous will, confident that His ultimate victory is assured.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Assyrias" or oppressive forces do you see at work in the world today, and how does this verse encourage you in the face of them?**
* **How do God's past acts of deliverance, both in biblical history and in your own life, strengthen your faith for future challenges?**
* **What does the title "LORD of hosts" mean for your understanding of God's power and sovereignty in your daily life?**

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

Answer: The title "the LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: _Yahweh Sabaoth_) is highly significant. "Sabaoth" means "armies" or "hosts," referring to both earthly armies and heavenly hosts (angels). This title emphasizes God's absolute omnipotence and His supreme command over all forces in the universe. In [Isaiah 10:26](/isaiah/10-26 "Isaiah 10:26 - God's Judgment on Assyria"), it underscores that the impending judgment on Assyria is not a mere human conflict but a divinely orchestrated act by the God who controls all armies and powers. It highlights His ability to raise up and bring down empires at His will, ensuring that His promises of judgment and deliverance will be perfectly executed.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 10:26, while directly addressing Assyria's defeat, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "scourge" that the Lord of hosts stirs up against oppressors culminates in Christ's victory over the ultimate oppressor: sin, death, and the devil. Just as God delivered Israel from physical bondage and military threats, Christ delivers humanity from spiritual bondage. The "rod" that was lifted up against Egypt and the "slaughter" of Midian foreshadow the decisive blow struck by the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") on the cross, where He defeated the powers of darkness (as seen in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph over Powers")). His resurrection is the ultimate "lifting up" that decisively breaks the power of death, mirroring the Red Sea deliverance, but on a cosmic scale, opening the way to true freedom for all who believe ([Romans 6:9-10](/romans/6-9 "Romans 6:9-10 - Christ's Victory over Death")). Thus, the historical deliverances in Isaiah 10:26 are types and shadows pointing to the greater, eternal deliverance accomplished by Christ, the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - Christ, King of Kings"), who will ultimately bring all oppression to an end at His glorious return ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes Christ's")).

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 9:4

For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian.

Judges 7:25

And they took two princes of the Midianites, Oreb and Zeeb; and they slew Oreb upon the rock Oreb, and Zeeb they slew at the winepress of Zeeb, and pursued Midian, and brought the heads of Oreb and Zeeb to Gideon on the other side Jordan.

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.

Exodus 14:16

But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry [ground] through the midst of the sea.

Exodus 14:25

And took off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the LORD fighteth for them against the Egyptians.

Exodus 14:27

And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea.

Revelation 19:15

And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.