Isaiah 10:27

KJV

And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] his burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall come to pass in that day {H3117}, that his burden {H5448} shall be taken away {H5493} from off thy shoulder {H7926}, and his yoke {H5923} from off thy neck {H6677}, and the yoke {H5923} shall be destroyed {H2254} because {H6440} of the anointing {H8081}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On that day his burden will fall from your shoulders and his yoke from your neck; the yoke will be destroyed by your prosperity.

Berean Standard Bible

On that day the burden will be lifted from your shoulders, and the yoke from your neck. The yoke will be broken because your neck will be too large.

American Standard Version

And it shall come to pass in that day, that his burden shall depart from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed by reason of fatness.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 10:27 offers a profound prophetic declaration of divine liberation, assuring God's people that the oppressive burden and heavy yoke imposed by their adversaries will be supernaturally removed and utterly destroyed. This promised deliverance is not attributed to human might but to a unique divine intervention, specifically "because of the anointing," signifying God's consecrated power and presence at work to break every form of bondage.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 10:27 is nestled within a significant prophetic oracle (Isaiah 7-12) primarily addressing the impending threat and eventual downfall of the Assyrian Empire. Chapters 7-9 focus on the immediate Assyrian menace to Judah and the promise of Immanuel, while chapter 10 specifically details Assyria's arrogance, its role as God's instrument of judgment against rebellious Israel, and its ultimate destruction. The verse immediately precedes a vivid description of Assyria's march toward Jerusalem and its subsequent divine defeat (Isaiah 10:28-34), culminating in the messianic prophecy of the Branch from Jesse (Isaiah 11:1-16). This verse serves as a pivotal point, shifting from the description of Assyrian oppression to the certain hope of God's deliverance for His remnant.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the 8th century BC, the Assyrian Empire was the dominant global superpower, renowned for its brutal military campaigns, forced deportations, and imposition of heavy tribute and forced labor on conquered nations. The "burden" (Hebrew: *çôbel*) and "yoke" (Hebrew: *ʻôl*) were common metaphors for severe political, economic, and military subjugation, reflecting the heavy taxes, forced labor, and loss of sovereignty experienced by vassal states. Nations like Judah lived under constant threat of Assyrian invasion and oppression. The imagery of a yoke being broken was deeply resonant with the experience of slavery and bondage, making the promise of its removal a powerful symbol of complete freedom and restoration of dignity.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. It highlights God's sovereignty over nations, demonstrating His ability to use even pagan empires as instruments of His will, yet holding them accountable for their pride and cruelty, as seen throughout [Isaiah 10](/isaiah/10 "Isaiah 10 - Assyria's Arrogance and God's Judgment"). A central theme is **Divine Deliverance from Oppression**, where God, not human strength, provides ultimate freedom from physical, economic, and spiritual bondage. This liberation is tied to **God's Faithfulness to His Covenant**, assuring His remnant that despite judgment, His promises of restoration remain. Finally, the phrase "because of the anointing" introduces the theme of **Messianic Hope and Divine Empowerment**, subtly pointing towards a future deliverer who would embody God's consecrated power, echoing the promises found in [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - Prophecy of the Messiah's Reign").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Yoke (Hebrew, _ʻôl'_):** From a root meaning "to impose on the neck," this word literally refers to the wooden bar placed on the necks of animals (or people) for drawing loads or for control. Figuratively, as used here, it powerfully represents bondage, servitude, and oppressive authority. Its destruction signifies complete liberation from the control and burden imposed by an external power.
* **Destroyed (Hebrew, _châbal'_):** This primitive root means "to wind tightly," "to bind," but also "to pervert," "destroy," or "spoil." In the context of a yoke, it implies a violent, complete breaking or shattering, rendering the instrument of bondage utterly useless. It suggests an irreversible act of demolition, not just a temporary removal.
* **Anointing (Hebrew, _shemen'_):** Though often referring to "oil" or "ointment," especially perfumed oil, the term here carries a figurative sense of richness, fatness, or, more profoundly, the act of anointing. In the Old Testament, anointing with oil symbolized divine consecration, empowerment, and the impartation of God's Spirit for specific roles (priests, kings, prophets). Its presence as the cause of the yoke's destruction points to a supernatural, divinely empowered agency, rather than human effort or military might. It implies the powerful, consecrated presence or work of God Himself, or His chosen agent.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall come to pass in that day,"**: This phrase introduces a future, divinely appointed time. "That day" is a common prophetic idiom, often referring to a significant moment of God's intervention, judgment, or salvation. Here, it signals the certainty and timing of the promised deliverance.
* **"that his burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder,"**: "His burden" refers to the heavy load imposed by the oppressor (Assyria). The "shoulder" is the primary place where heavy loads are carried. "Taken away" (Hebrew: *çûwr*) implies a complete removal, a lifting of the weight and responsibility of subjugation.
* **"and his yoke from off thy neck,"**: This clause reiterates and intensifies the imagery of oppression. The "yoke" on the "neck" signifies forced servitude and loss of freedom, characteristic of conquered peoples. Its removal emphasizes total emancipation from the oppressor's control.
* **"and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing."**: This is the climactic declaration. The repetition of "the yoke" underscores the complete and final nature of the deliverance. Crucially, the destruction is attributed to "the anointing," indicating that this liberation is not a result of human strength or political maneuvering, but a direct, supernatural act of God's consecrated power, presence, or His specially empowered agent.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 10:27 is rich in **Metaphor** and **Symbolism**. The "burden" and "yoke" are powerful metaphors for the oppressive political, economic, and military subjugation imposed by the Assyrian Empire. These images evoke the physical toil and dehumanizing control of slavery, making the promise of their removal profoundly impactful. The "shoulder" and "neck" are **Synecdoche**, representing the entire person bearing the weight of oppression. The phrase "in that day" is a prophetic **Idiom**, signaling a specific, divinely ordained time of significant intervention. Most significantly, "the anointing" functions as a potent **Symbol** of divine power, consecration, and the presence of God's Spirit. Its role in destroying the yoke underscores that the liberation is supernatural, not human-achieved, pointing to God's unique, set-apart power as the ultimate source of freedom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 10:27 articulates a core biblical truth: God's sovereign power to deliver His people from all forms of bondage. This promise of a broken yoke resonates deeply with the broader biblical narrative of redemption, where God consistently intervenes to free His people from oppression, whether it be physical slavery, political subjugation, or spiritual bondage. The "anointing" as the source of this power points to the divine Spirit at work, a theme that culminates in the New Testament's understanding of the Holy Spirit's power in the lives of believers and, preeminently, in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the Anointed One. This verse, therefore, serves as a powerful testament to God's unwavering commitment to liberation, foreshadowing the ultimate freedom found in Him.

* [Isaiah 58:6](/isaiah/58-6 "Isaiah 58:6 - True Fasting and Breaking Yokes")
* [Jeremiah 30:8](/jeremiah/30-8 "Jeremiah 30:8 - Breaking the Yoke of Bondage")
* [Nahum 1:13](/nahum/1-13 "Nahum 1:13 - God Breaking the Yoke of Oppression")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 10:27 offers profound encouragement for believers facing any form of burden or yoke today. While the original context was physical and political oppression, the principle extends to spiritual, emotional, and psychological burdens—the heavy weight of sin, despair, anxiety, addiction, or overwhelming circumstances that feel insurmountable. This verse reminds us that our deliverance is not dependent on our strength or ingenuity, but on the supernatural power of God, symbolized by "the anointing." It calls us to trust in the Holy Spirit, who indwells believers, as the divine agent capable of breaking what no human effort can. When we feel overwhelmed or bound, this promise invites us to lean into God's presence, believing that His consecrated power is sufficient to destroy every oppressive yoke, leading us into the freedom and rest that He alone provides.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "burdens" or "yokes" in your life feel overwhelming or impossible to break through your own strength?**
* **How does the idea of "the anointing" as the source of liberation shift your perspective on overcoming these challenges?**
* **In what ways can you more intentionally rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to bring freedom and breakthrough in your current circumstances?**

### FAQ
**What does "the anointing" refer to in this verse?**

Answer: In Isaiah 10:27, "the anointing" (Hebrew: *shemen*) refers to a divinely consecrated power or presence that causes the destruction of the oppressive yoke. While literally meaning "oil" or "ointment," it symbolizes the empowering presence of God's Spirit, which was typically imparted through the act of anointing priests, kings, and prophets for sacred service. Therefore, the phrase signifies that the liberation is not due to human effort or military might, but to a supernatural, God-given authority and power. Many theological interpretations also see this as a veiled messianic prophecy, pointing to the ultimate "Anointed One" (Messiah) who would bring true and lasting freedom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 10:27 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the true "Anointed One" (Messiah). The Old Testament "anointing" with oil foreshadowed the Spirit of God resting upon and empowering individuals for specific tasks. Jesus, however, was uniquely anointed with the Holy Spirit without measure (as seen in [John 3:34](/john/3-34 "John 3:34 - Jesus' Anointing with the Spirit")), fulfilling the prophecy in [Isaiah 61:1](/isaiah/61-1 "Isaiah 61:1 - The Spirit of the Lord on the Anointed One"), which He Himself claimed in [Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Nazareth Sermon"). He came to proclaim liberty to the captives and to set the oppressed free. The "burden" and "yoke" of sin, death, and the Law's condemnation, which no human could remove, were decisively broken by Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection. He invites all who are weary and burdened to come to Him, promising that His "yoke is easy and His burden is light," and that in Him, they will find rest for their souls ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Jesus' Invitation to the Weary")). Through His finished work and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, believers experience the destruction of every spiritual yoke, living in the freedom purchased by the Anointed One, who conquered sin and death once for all ([Romans 8:2](/romans/8-2 "Romans 8:2 - Freedom from the Law of 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 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.

Luke 4:18

The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

Isaiah 14:25

That I will break the Assyrian in my land, and upon my mountains tread him under foot: then shall his yoke depart from off them, and his burden depart from off their shoulders.

Psalms 105:15

[Saying], Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.

1 John 2:20

¶ But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.

Nahum 1:9

¶ What do ye imagine against the LORD? he will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time.

Nahum 1:13

For now will I break his yoke from off thee, and will burst thy bonds in sunder.