Isaiah 10:32

As yet shall he remain at Nob that day: he shall shake his hand [against] the mount of the daughter of Zion, the hill of Jerusalem.

As yet shall he remain {H5975} at Nob {H5011} that day {H3117}: he shall shake {H5130} his hand {H3027} against the mount {H2022} of the daughter {H1323}{H1004} of Zion {H6726}, the hill {H1389} of Jerusalem {H3389}.

This very day he will stop at Nov; and he will shake his fist at the mountain of the daughter of Tziyon, at the hill of Yerushalayim.

Yet today they will halt at Nob, shaking a fist at the mount of Daughter Zion, at the hill of Jerusalem.

This very day shall he halt at Nob: he shaketh his hand at the mount of the daughter of Zion, the hill of Jerusalem.

Context of Isaiah 10:32

Isaiah 10:32 is part of a vivid prophetic passage (Isaiah 10:28-34) that describes the terrifying advance of the Assyrian army towards Jerusalem. This detailed itinerary paints a picture of their unstoppable march, conquering town after town, until they reach the very doorstep of the Holy City. The "he" in the verse refers to the Assyrian king, Sennacherib, whose historical campaign against Judah is well-documented. At this point, the Assyrian forces have reached Nob, a strategic vantage point just north of Jerusalem, from which they can see the city and prepare for their final assault. The proximity of Nob emphasizes the extreme peril Jerusalem faced, seemingly on the brink of destruction.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Imminent Threat and Arrogance: The verse powerfully conveys the immediate danger to Jerusalem. The Assyrian king's act of "shaking his hand" against Mount Zion is a gesture of utter contempt and arrogant confidence in his impending victory. He views Jerusalem as just another city to conquer, similar to the many he has already subdued.
  • Divine Protection and Deliverance: Despite the overwhelming threat, the larger context of Isaiah 10 and subsequent chapters reveals that God intends to intervene. This verse marks the peak of the Assyrian's pride and proximity, but it also sets the stage for God's dramatic deliverance, highlighting that human power, no matter how great, cannot ultimately prevail against God's chosen city when He wills its protection. The historical fulfillment of this prophecy, where the Assyrian army was miraculously defeated, underscores God's sovereignty.
  • God's Sovereignty Over Nations: While Assyria was a mighty empire, Isaiah consistently portrays them as merely a tool in God's hand to discipline His people (see Isaiah 10:5). This verse, showing their final boast before their downfall, reinforces the theme that God remains in ultimate control, even of those who defy Him.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "shake his hand" (Hebrew: יְנוֹפֵף יָדוֹ - y'nōphēph yādō) is a vivid idiomatic expression. It signifies a gesture of contempt, defiance, or menacing threat. It's not merely a wave of greeting but a hostile, taunting motion, asserting dominance and predicting destruction. This physical gesture underscores the Assyrian king's overwhelming pride and his belief that Jerusalem is completely within his grasp, ripe for conquest.

Practical Application

Isaiah 10:32 serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and ability to deliver His people even in the face of insurmountable odds. When we face seemingly overwhelming threats, whether personal or collective, this verse encourages us to look beyond the immediate danger to God's ultimate power and purpose. It teaches us that:

  • God allows trials to bring us to the brink: Sometimes, God permits circumstances to escalate to demonstrate His unique power and sovereignty.
  • Pride precedes a fall: The Assyrian king's arrogance at Nob was the precursor to his downfall, a timeless principle applicable to all who exalt themselves against God (Proverbs 16:18).
  • God protects His own: Just as God protected Jerusalem, He promises to protect and preserve His people who trust in Him, even when the enemy appears to be at the gates. This offers comfort and reassurance that our ultimate security rests in His hands, not in human strength or strategy.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Samuel 21:1

    ¶ Then came David to Nob to Ahimelech the priest: and Ahimelech was afraid at the meeting of David, and said unto him, Why [art] thou alone, and no man with thee?

  • Isaiah 19:16

    In that day shall Egypt be like unto women: and it shall be afraid and fear because of the shaking of the hand of the LORD of hosts, which he shaketh over it.

  • 1 Samuel 22:19

    And Nob, the city of the priests, smote he with the edge of the sword, both men and women, children and sucklings, and oxen, and asses, and sheep, with the edge of the sword.

  • Zechariah 2:9

    For, behold, I will shake mine hand upon them, and they shall be a spoil to their servants: and ye shall know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me.

  • Isaiah 37:22

    This [is] the word which the LORD hath spoken concerning him; The virgin, the daughter of Zion, hath despised thee, [and] laughed thee to scorn; the daughter of Jerusalem hath shaken her head at thee.

  • Isaiah 1:8

    And the daughter of Zion is left as a cottage in a vineyard, as a lodge in a garden of cucumbers, as a besieged city.

  • Isaiah 13:2

    Lift ye up a banner upon the high mountain, exalt the voice unto them, shake the hand, that they may go into the gates of the nobles.

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