Isaiah 10:32

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 10:32 vividly portrays the climactic moment of the Assyrian invasion, depicting the Assyrian king's arrival at Nob, a strategic hill overlooking Jerusalem. From this elevated position, he defiantly raises his hand in a gesture of contempt and assured conquest against the mount of the daughter of Zion, the very heart of Jerusalem. This scene powerfully underscores the city's extreme vulnerability and the seemingly unstoppable might of the Assyrian empire, setting the stage for God's dramatic and miraculous intervention against the arrogant invader.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 10:32 serves as the terrifying culmination of a prophetic oracle spanning [Isaiah 10:28-34](/isaiah/10-28-34 "Isaiah 10:28-34 - Assyria's March on Jerusalem"), which meticulously details the Assyrian army's relentless march towards Jerusalem. This passage is structured as a chilling itinerary, listing the towns north of the capital—Aiath, Migron, Michmash, Geba, Ramah, Gibeah of Saul, Gallim, Laish, Anathoth, Madmenah, Gebim—each conquered step bringing the enemy closer. This deliberate enumeration builds an overwhelming sense of dread and inevitability, emphasizing the unstoppable nature of the threat. Verse 32 marks the terrifying peak of this progression, placing the enemy literally at Jerusalem's doorstep, poised for the final assault. The subsequent verses ([Isaiah 10:33-34](/isaiah/10-33-34 "Isaiah 10:33-34 - God's Judgment on Assyria")) then pivot sharply, revealing God's sudden and decisive intervention to "lop off the boughs with terror" and "cut down the thickets of the forest," transforming the narrative from impending doom to divine deliverance.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "he" in this verse refers unequivocally to Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, whose campaign against Judah in 701 BCE is extensively documented in biblical accounts (e.g., [2 Kings 18:13-19:37](/2_kings/18-13-19-37 "2 Kings 18:13-19:37 - Sennacherib's Invasion and Jerusalem's Deliverance")) and extra-biblical sources like Sennacherib's own annals. Nob was a Levitical city with historical significance (cf. [1 Samuel 21:1](/1_samuel/21-1 "1 Samuel 21:1 - David at Nob")), located approximately two miles north of Jerusalem. Its elevated position offered a clear, unobstructed view of the Holy City, making it the ideal final staging ground for the Assyrian forces and dramatically underscoring the direness of Jerusalem's situation. Culturally, the act of "shaking his hand" (or "waving the hand") at a besieged city was a common, highly symbolic gesture of contempt, defiance, and a declaration of imminent conquest. It was a taunting motion, designed to demoralize the inhabitants and assert the conqueror's absolute dominance and assured victory over the city and its people.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Isaiah. Firstly, it starkly portrays the **Arrogance of Human Power** and the **Imminent Threat** it poses. The Assyrian king's arrival at Nob and his defiant gesture embody the zenith of human pride and self-assured might, believing Jerusalem to be an effortless conquest, much like the numerous other cities he had already subdued (cf. [Isaiah 10:8-11](/isaiah/10-8-11 "Isaiah 10:8-11 - Assyria's Boastful Conquests")). Secondly, it masterfully sets the stage for **Divine Protection and Deliverance**. Precisely at this moment of extreme peril, when human hope appears extinguished, God's miraculous intervention is anticipated. The enemy's extreme proximity and overt arrogance serve to magnify the spectacular nature of God's subsequent deliverance, as vividly detailed later in [Isaiah 37](/isaiah/37 "Isaiah 37 - God Delivers Jerusalem from Assyria")). Finally, it powerfully reinforces the theme of **God's Sovereignty Over Nations**. Despite Assyria's formidable military and imperial power, Isaiah consistently portrays them not as an autonomous force, but as an unwitting "rod of my anger" in God's hand, used to discipline His people (e.g., [Isaiah 10:5](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5 - Assyria as God's Instrument")). This verse, capturing their final, arrogant boast just before their divinely orchestrated downfall, powerfully illustrates that God remains in ultimate control, even over those who proudly defy Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **shake (Hebrew, _nûwph'_):** From H5130, this primitive root signifies "to quiver (i.e. vibrate up and down, or rock to and fro)." Its applications are diverse, including waving, sifting, striking, or lifting. In the context of Isaiah 10:32, "shake" specifically denotes a hostile, menacing, or taunting wave of the hand, conveying contempt and aggressive intent rather than a benign motion. It underscores the Assyrian king's absolute confidence in his impending victory over Jerusalem.
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** From H3027, a primitive word referring to the open hand (distinguished from a closed fist). While literally meaning "hand," this term is used in a vast array of literal and figurative applications, often symbolizing power, means, direction, or agency. Here, combined with "shake," the hand becomes the instrument of the king's defiant and contemptuous gesture, embodying his perceived authority and control over the city he is poised to conquer.
* **daughter (Hebrew, _bath'_):** From H1323, meaning "a daughter," used broadly to denote relationship, both literally and figuratively. In the idiomatic phrase "daughter of Zion," it is a common biblical expression (often alongside H1004, _bayith_ for "house" or "family") that personifies the city of Jerusalem or its inhabitants. This idiom frequently conveys endearment, vulnerability, or a collective identity. In this verse, "daughter of Zion" refers to Jerusalem and its people, highlighting their identity as God's chosen community, yet currently imperiled by the Assyrian threat.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"As yet shall he remain at Nob that day:"** This clause precisely identifies the geographical and temporal setting of the Assyrian king's final advance. "Nob" (H5011) was a priestly city situated on a hill just north of Jerusalem, strategically offering a panoramic view of the capital. The phrase "that day" (H3117, _yôwm_) emphasizes the immediacy and certainty of this event, marking it as a critical, climactic moment in the unfolding prophecy. The verb "remain" (H5975, _ʻâmad_) suggests a halt, a pause before the final strike, indicating the army's arrival and readiness for the decisive assault.
* **"he shall shake his hand [against] the mount of the daughter of Zion,"** This is the core of the Assyrian king's defiant and contemptuous act. The "shaking of his hand" (H5130, _nûwph_ + H3027, _yâd_) is a powerful, hostile gesture, a taunt signifying his absolute confidence in conquering Jerusalem. "The mount of the daughter of Zion" refers to the fortified hill of Jerusalem, specifically Mount Zion (H6726, _Tsîyôwn_), which was the site of the Temple and the royal palace, symbolizing God's dwelling place and the very heart of Judah's spiritual and political life. The "daughter of Zion" (H1323, _bath_) personifies the city and its inhabitants, emphasizing their vulnerability in the face of such an overt and defiant gesture.
* **"the hill of Jerusalem."** This phrase serves as a poetic parallel and further clarifies the specific target of the Assyrian king's contempt. "The hill" (H1389, _gibʻâh_) is synonymous with "mount" (H2022, _har_), both referring to the elevated terrain upon which Jerusalem (H3389, _Yᵉrûwshâlaim_) was built. The repetition underscores the precise object of the Assyrian's menacing gaze and his perceived impending victory over the entire city, reinforcing the sense of immediate and overwhelming threat and the city's seemingly hopeless position.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 10:32 employs several potent literary devices to heighten the drama and theological impact of the scene. **Personification** is clearly evident in the phrase "daughter of Zion," which imbues the city of Jerusalem with human attributes, making its vulnerability and impending threat more poignant and relatable. The Assyrian king's act of "shaking his hand" is a vivid piece of **Imagery** that immediately conjures a clear mental picture of his arrogant defiance and contempt. This gesture also functions as **Symbolism**, where the king's hand represents his perceived power and destructive intent, and Nob symbolizes the very brink of destruction for Jerusalem. The entire passage, culminating in this verse, builds a strong sense of **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for the dramatic and unexpected divine intervention that will follow. This creates a powerful **Irony**, as the peak of the enemy's boastful confidence immediately precedes their catastrophic downfall, highlighting the futility of human pride when it stands against divine will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 10:32 stands as a pivotal moment in the prophetic narrative, sharply illustrating the tension between overwhelming human might and divine sovereignty. The Assyrian king's arrival at Nob and his contemptuous gesture against Zion represent the ultimate challenge to God's covenant faithfulness and His unwavering promise to protect Jerusalem. The theological message is profoundly clear: human arrogance, no matter how formidable or seemingly unstoppable, is ultimately subject to God's sovereign will. This verse highlights the profound principle that God often allows His people to be brought to the very brink of destruction, not to abandon them, but precisely to demonstrate His unique power, to humble both His people and their enemies, and to reveal that true security lies not in military strength or strategic positioning, but solely in divine protection and faithfulness to God's promises. The Assyrian's boast is the final, arrogant gasp of human pride before God's decisive and miraculous intervention, serving as a powerful and timeless reminder that "the horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the LORD" ([Proverbs 21:31](/proverbs/21-31 "Proverbs 21:31 - Victory is from the Lord")).

* [Psalm 46:1-3](/psalms/46-1-3 "Psalm 46:1-3 - God is our refuge and strength in times of trouble")
* [Isaiah 37:36](/isaiah/37-36 "Isaiah 37:36 - The Angel of the Lord Destroys the Assyrian Army")
* [Zechariah 2:5](/zechariah/2-5 "Zechariah 2:5 - The Lord will be a wall of fire around Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 10:32 offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers facing overwhelming challenges. Just as Jerusalem stood on the precipice of destruction, seemingly helpless against an unstoppable foe, we too can find ourselves in situations where the "enemy"—whether spiritual forces, relational conflicts, financial crises, or personal struggles—appears to be at our very gates, mocking our hope and threatening our peace. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God often permits circumstances to escalate to a point of human impossibility, not to abandon us, but so that His power and faithfulness can be unmistakably revealed. It calls us to resist despair and to fix our gaze not on the imposing strength of the threat, but on the unwavering sovereignty of God. Our confidence should not be in our own ability to defend ourselves or strategize our way out, but in the Lord who is "a very present help in trouble" ([Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God is our refuge")). This passage encourages a posture of humble reliance and steadfast faith, knowing that pride precedes a fall, and that God delights in delivering those who trust in Him, even when the odds seem utterly insurmountable.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you currently feel an overwhelming "enemy" is at your gates, seemingly poised for victory?**
* **How does the Assyrian king's arrogance at Nob challenge your own tendencies towards self-reliance or pride when facing difficulties?**
* **What specific actions can you take to shift your focus from the apparent strength of your challenges to the ultimate sovereignty and delivering power of God?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Nob in this prophecy?**

Answer: Nob was a Levitical city situated on a hill just a few miles north of Jerusalem, making it a crucial strategic vantage point. Its significance in this prophecy is twofold: first, it marks the absolute closest the Assyrian army came to Jerusalem before their miraculous defeat, symbolizing the peak of the threat and the city's extreme vulnerability. Second, from Nob, the Assyrian king could clearly see Jerusalem, and his act of "shaking his hand" from this position was a direct, contemptuous taunt against the city, underscoring his arrogant confidence in its imminent fall, which serves as a dramatic setup for God's divine and decisive intervention (as described in [Isaiah 37](/isaiah/37 "Isaiah 37 - God Delivers Jerusalem from Assyria")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 10:32 vividly describes a historical event of physical deliverance for Jerusalem, it profoundly foreshadows the ultimate spiritual deliverance accomplished through Jesus Christ. Just as the Assyrian king, representing a formidable earthly power, stood defiantly against Zion, so too does humanity face an even greater spiritual enemy, Satan, who relentlessly seeks to accuse, tempt, and destroy (cf. [1 Peter 5:8](/1_peter/5-8 "1 Peter 5:8 - The Devil Prowls Like a Roaring Lion")). The "daughter of Zion" in the Old Testament often symbolizes God's covenant people, and in the New Testament, this imagery expands to the Church, the spiritual Jerusalem (cf. [Galatians 4:26](/galatians/4-26 "Galatians 4:26 - Jerusalem Above is Free")). Christ's life, death, and resurrection represent God's decisive intervention against this ultimate foe. On the cross, where He appeared utterly defeated, Christ paradoxically "shook His hand" not in defiance of God, but in triumph over the spiritual powers of darkness, disarming them and making a public spectacle of them (cf. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). The seemingly insurmountable threat of sin and death, which held humanity captive, was decisively overcome by the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Thus, the historical protection of Jerusalem from Sennacherib points forward to the greater, eternal salvation wrought by Christ, who secures ultimate victory for His people, establishing a spiritual kingdom that no earthly or spiritual foe can ultimately conquer (cf. [Hebrews 12:22-24](/hebrews/12-22-24 "Hebrews 12:22-24 - The Heavenly Jerusalem and the New Covenant")).

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

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.