He is come to Aiath, he is passed to Migron; at Michmash he hath laid up his carriages:
He is come {H935} to Aiath {H5857}, he is passed {H5674} to Migron {H4051}; at Michmash {H4363} he hath laid up {H6485} his carriages {H3627}:
He has come to 'Ayat and passed through Migron. He has stored his equipment at Mikhmas.
Assyria has entered Aiath and passed through Migron, storing their supplies at Michmash.
He is come to Aiath, he is passed through Migron; at Michmash he layeth up his baggage;
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1 Samuel 14:2
And Saul tarried in the uttermost part of Gibeah under a pomegranate tree which [is] in Migron: and the people that [were] with him [were] about six hundred men; -
1 Samuel 13:2
Saul chose him three thousand [men] of Israel; [whereof] two thousand were with Saul in Michmash and in mount Bethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin: and the rest of the people he sent every man to his tent. -
1 Samuel 13:5
And the Philistines gathered themselves together to fight with Israel, thirty thousand chariots, and six thousand horsemen, and people as the sand which [is] on the sea shore in multitude: and they came up, and pitched in Michmash, eastward from Bethaven. -
1 Samuel 14:31
And they smote the Philistines that day from Michmash to Aijalon: and the people were very faint. -
Nehemiah 11:31
The children also of Benjamin from Geba [dwelt] at Michmash, and Aija, and Bethel, and [in] their villages, -
Judges 18:21
So they turned and departed, and put the little ones and the cattle and the carriage before them. -
Joshua 7:2
And Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which [is] beside Bethaven, on the east side of Bethel, and spake unto them, saying, Go up and view the country. And the men went up and viewed Ai.
Isaiah 10:28 vividly describes the rapid and terrifying advance of the Assyrian army towards Jerusalem. The verse lists specific geographical points along their invasion route from the north: Aiath, Migron, and Michmash. The phrase "at Michmash he hath laid up his carriages" indicates a strategic pause where the invading forces consolidate their supplies or heavy equipment, signaling their close proximity and methodical preparation for the final assault on the capital.
Context
This verse is part of a larger prophecy in Isaiah 10 concerning God's judgment on Judah through the Assyrian Empire, but also Assyria's eventual downfall due to its pride. The prophet Isaiah paints a detailed picture of the Assyrian military campaign, tracing their precise movements to instill a sense of urgency and dread among the people of Judah. The places mentioned—Aiath, Migron, and Michmash—were all within the territory of Benjamin, just a few miles north of Jerusalem, emphasizing the imminent threat. This prophetic account serves as a precursor to the historical events recorded later, such as Sennacherib's invasion during King Hezekiah's reign.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The KJV term "carriages" in this verse (Hebrew: כְּלִים, kelim) does not refer to wheeled vehicles in the modern sense. Instead, it refers to baggage, equipment, supplies, or weapons. Therefore, "he hath laid up his carriages" means the army has deposited or secured its heavy supplies and gear, perhaps to lighten their load for navigating the difficult terrain around Michmash or in preparation for battle.
Practical Application
Isaiah 10:28 reminds us that God is sovereign over all nations and historical events. Even seemingly overwhelming threats are within His control and often serve His purposes. For believers, this verse encourages trust in God's ultimate plan, even when circumstances appear dire and danger seems imminent. Just as God later delivered Jerusalem from the Assyrians (Isaiah 37:36), He remains faithful to His people, orchestrating events to fulfill His righteous will and demonstrate His power.