Isaiah 10:33

KJV

Behold, the Lord, the LORD of hosts, shall lop the bough with terror: and the high ones of stature [shall be] hewn down, and the haughty shall be humbled.

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, the Lord {H113}, the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}, shall lop {H5586} the bough {H6288} with terror {H4637}: and the high ones {H7311} of stature {H6967} shall be hewn down {H1438}, and the haughty {H1364} shall be humbled {H8213}.

Complete Jewish Bible

See how Adonai ELOHIM-Tzva'ot lops off the branches with terrible violence! The ones standing highest are chopped down, the lofty are laid low.

Berean Standard Bible

Behold, the Lord GOD of Hosts will lop off the branches with terrifying power. The tall trees will be cut down, the lofty ones will be felled.

American Standard Version

Behold, the Lord, Jehovah of hosts, will lop the boughs with terror: and the high of stature shall be hewn down, and the lofty shall be brought low.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 10:33 serves as a dramatic prophetic declaration of God's decisive intervention against the seemingly invincible Assyrian Empire. Following a vivid description of Assyria's relentless advance towards Jerusalem, this verse abruptly shifts focus to the Lord's absolute sovereignty, portraying Him as the divine woodsman who will "lop" and "hew down" the proud and powerful, bringing their arrogance to a swift and terrifying end. It underscores the transient nature of human might in the face of God's ultimate authority and His unwavering commitment to humble the haughty, assuring His people of ultimate deliverance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 10:33 concludes a powerful prophetic oracle (Isaiah 10:5-34) primarily directed against Assyria, which God had used as an instrument of judgment against Israel and Judah. The preceding verses (Isaiah 10:28-32) paint a vivid, almost breathless, picture of the Assyrian army's rapid and terrifying march through various towns north of Jerusalem, drawing ever closer to the city itself. This narrative builds a sense of impending doom and human helplessness, creating a palpable tension for the reader. Verse 33, however, marks an abrupt and dramatic shift. It is a sudden divine interjection, moving from the earthly perspective of Assyria's seemingly unstoppable might to the heavenly perspective of God's sovereign and decisive action. It functions as a climactic reversal, signaling that despite Assyria's temporary success and self-exaltation, their ultimate fate is entirely in the hands of the [Lord of hosts](/isaiah/10-33 "Isaiah 10:33 - The Lord of Hosts"), who will cut them down at the very threshold of their perceived victory. This passage is part of the broader "Book of Immanuel" (Isaiah 7-12), which weaves together themes of judgment, deliverance, and the coming Messiah.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Isaiah 10 is the late 8th century BCE, a period dominated by the aggressive expansion of the Neo-Assyrian Empire. Under formidable kings like Tiglath-Pileser III, Shalmaneser V, Sargon II, and Sennacherib, Assyria had conquered vast territories, including the Northern Kingdom of Israel (722 BCE). Judah, the Southern Kingdom, faced an existential threat, often attempting to appease Assyria through tribute or forming alliances against them. The Assyrians were known for their brutal military tactics, their overwhelming siege warfare, and their policy of mass deportation. Their might seemed unstoppable, fostering a sense of terror and despair among smaller nations like Judah. Culturally, the imagery of "lopping the bough" or "hewing down" tall trees would have been readily understood as a metaphor for the destruction of powerful entities or leaders, as trees often symbolized strength, prominence, and even kingdoms in ancient Near Eastern thought. The title "Lord of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) was particularly significant in times of war, emphasizing God's role as the supreme commander of all armies, both earthly and heavenly, and His ultimate control over the destiny of nations.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 10:33 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment** of God. The repeated use of the divine titles "the Lord, the LORD of hosts" unequivocally declares God's absolute authority over all earthly powers, including the seemingly invincible Assyrian Empire. This verse highlights that God is the ultimate arbiter of history, using nations as His instruments but also holding them accountable for their pride and wickedness, as seen in [Isaiah's pronouncements against other nations](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13 - Oracle Against Babylon"). Secondly, it vividly portrays the **Humbling of Pride**. The imagery of "lopping the bough" and "hewing down" the "high ones of stature" directly addresses the theme of divine opposition to human arrogance. Assyria, represented by tall trees and proud leaders, will be utterly humbled and brought low by God's hand, a principle echoed throughout Scripture, as seen in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction") and [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Opposes the Proud"). Lastly, the verse illustrates a dramatic **Reversal of Fortune**. The powerful, the tall, and the haughty are suddenly cut down, signifying the abrupt end of their dominion and the restoration of God's justice. This serves as a potent reminder that no earthly power can ultimately stand against the will of God, a truth powerfully articulated in [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God's Dominion Over Kingdoms"), which states that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **the Lord, the LORD of hosts (Hebrew, _ʼâdôwn_, _Yᵉhôvâh_, _tsâbâʼ'_):** This triple appellation for God is profoundly significant. **ʼâdôwn** (H113) signifies "sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine); lord, master, owner," emphasizing God's ultimate dominion. **Yᵉhôvâh** (H3068), the covenant name of God, "the self-Existent or Eternal," highlights His unchanging, faithful nature. Coupled with **tsâbâʼ** (H6635), meaning "a mass of persons... especially regularly organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign," this title "LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) portrays God as the supreme commander of all heavenly and earthly armies, demonstrating His irresistible power and authority to execute judgment. The combination underscores His absolute control over all creation and history, particularly in the context of warfare and national destinies.
* **lop / hewn down (Hebrew, _çâʻaph_, _gâdaʻ'_):** The verb **çâʻaph** (H5586), meaning "to disbranch (a tree); top," and **gâdaʻ** (H1438), a primitive root meaning "to fell a tree; generally, to destroy anything; cut (asunder, in sunder, down, off), hew down," convey a violent, decisive, and irreversible act of destruction. This imagery of a tree being forcefully cut down emphasizes the sudden and complete dismantling of the Assyrian power, which had previously been depicted as a towering, seemingly indestructible force. It is not a gradual decline but a swift, terrifying felling, indicating the finality of God's judgment.
* **haughty / humbled (Hebrew, _gâbôahh_, _shâphêl'_):** The word **gâbôahh** (H1364) describes those who are "elevated (or elated), powerful, arrogant; haughty, high(-er), lofty, proud, exceeding proudly." It captures the essence of Assyria's self-exaltation and pride, reflecting their belief in their own invincibility. In stark contrast, **shâphêl** (H8213), meaning "to depress or sink (expectation figuratively, to humiliate, intransitive or transitive); abase, bring (cast, put) down, debase, humble (self), be (bring, lay, make, put) low(-er)," signifies the complete and utter abasement that God will inflict upon the proud. This pairing highlights the divine reversal: those who exalt themselves will be brought low by the sovereign hand of God, demonstrating His justice against human arrogance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, the Lord, the LORD of hosts":** This opening exclamation, "Behold," serves as a dramatic summons, drawing immediate attention to the divine actor and the gravity of the impending event. The formidable title "the Lord, the LORD of hosts" (Adonai Yahweh Sabaoth) establishes God's absolute sovereignty and immense power as the one who commands all heavenly and earthly forces. It signals that the following action is not merely a human event but a direct, terrifying act of divine judgment, executed by the supreme commander of the universe.
* **"shall lop the bough with terror":** The imagery shifts to God acting as a mighty woodsman. The "bough" (pᵉʼôrâh) represents the powerful, flourishing strength of Assyria, often symbolized by a majestic tree, indicative of its prominence and reach. To "lop" (çâʻaph) it signifies a severe cutting back, a reduction of its power and influence. This action is performed "with terror" (maʻărâtsâh), indicating the overwhelming and fearful manner in which God's judgment will manifest, striking fear into the hearts of those who witness or experience it, and demonstrating the awe-inspiring nature of His power.
* **"and the high ones of stature shall be hewn down":** This clause reinforces the previous imagery, making explicit that the "bough" and "high ones of stature" (rûwm qôwmâh) refer to the prominent, powerful, and arrogant leaders or elements within Assyria. These are the individuals or groups who have elevated themselves. To be "hewn down" (gâdaʻ) is a violent and complete act of destruction, signifying the utter demolition of their strength, authority, and very existence as a dominant force.
* **"and the haughty shall be humbled":** This final clause serves as a powerful summary and theological punchline, articulating the core principle behind the divine action. It reiterates the central theme of divine judgment against human pride. The "haughty" (gâbôahh), those who have exalted themselves in their own strength and arrogance, will be "humbled" (shâphêl), brought low and utterly abased by the sovereign hand of God. This is the inevitable outcome for all who oppose God's will and refuse to acknowledge His supremacy, a universal truth that transcends the specific historical context.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 10:33 is rich in literary devices that enhance its prophetic impact and convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Metaphor** and **Imagery**, where Assyria's formidable power is vividly depicted as a towering, majestic tree, and God's judgment is portrayed as the decisive action of a divine woodsman wielding an axe. The specific terms "bough," "high ones of stature," and their being "lopped" and "hewn down" are powerful visual representations of a mighty empire being utterly dismantled and brought to ruin. This employs **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like actions (lopping, hewing) to God, making His intervention tangible and relatable to human experience. The passage also employs strong **Contrast** and **Antithesis**, juxtaposing the "high ones of stature" and the "haughty"—symbols of elevated power and arrogance—with their ultimate fate of being "hewn down" and "humbled." This stark opposition emphasizes the dramatic and complete reversal brought about by divine intervention. The term "terror" (maʻărâtsâh) injects an element of **Hyperbole**, suggesting an overwhelming and awe-inspiring display of God's power that evokes profound fear. Finally, the opening word "Behold" functions as a **Prophetic Declaration**, a direct command to attention that underscores the certainty, authority, and divine origin of the pronouncement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 10:33 stands as a profound theological statement on God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers and His unwavering opposition to human pride. It reveals that no nation, no matter how mighty or self-assured, can ultimately withstand the divine will. God, as "the Lord, the LORD of hosts," is not merely an observer of history but its ultimate orchestrator, capable of raising up and casting down kingdoms according to His righteous purposes. This truth offers both a stern warning to the proud and a deep comfort to the oppressed, assuring them that divine justice will prevail. The verse underscores that true power resides not in human strength or military might, but solely in the hands of the Almighty God, who delights in humbling the arrogant and exalting the humble, demonstrating His perfect justice and control over all creation.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God's Dominion Over Kingdoms")
* [1 Samuel 2:7-8](/1_samuel/2-7-8 "1 Samuel 2:7-8 - The Lord Makes Poor and Makes Rich")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 10:33 offers timeless lessons for both individuals and nations, calling us to a profound re-evaluation of where we place our trust and how we view power. In a world often dominated by displays of human strength, wealth, and self-assertion, this verse serves as a stark reminder that all earthly might is transient and ultimately subject to the sovereign hand of God. It challenges us to cultivate genuine humility, recognizing that any talent, position, or success we possess is a gift from above, not a basis for pride or self-exaltation. For those who feel overwhelmed by oppressive systems or arrogant individuals, this prophecy provides immense comfort and hope, assuring them that God sees injustice and will, in His perfect timing, bring down the proud and exalt the humble. It encourages us to place our ultimate reliance and security not in human achievements or alliances, but in the unfailing strength and wisdom of the Lord, who alone is worthy of all glory and who alone can bring true and lasting justice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of "lopping the bough" challenge our understanding of power and success in the world today?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be exhibiting "haughty" attitudes that need to be "humbled" by God?**
* **How does the sovereignty of "the Lord, the LORD of hosts" provide comfort or conviction in the face of seemingly overwhelming challenges or injustices?**

### FAQ
**Who is "the high ones of stature" and "the haughty" referring to in this context?**

Answer: In the immediate context of Isaiah 10, "the high ones of stature" and "the haughty" primarily refer to the Assyrian Empire, its formidable military, and its arrogant leaders. Assyria, at this time, was the dominant world power, known for its ruthless conquests and self-exaltation. God had used Assyria as an instrument of judgment against disobedient nations, including Israel. However, Assyria itself became proud, attributing its victories to its own might rather than acknowledging God's sovereign hand. This verse declares that despite their perceived invincibility and towering pride, God would decisively bring them down, as famously fulfilled in the miraculous destruction of Sennacherib's army outside Jerusalem (see [Isaiah 37:36](/isaiah/37-36 "Isaiah 37:36 - The Angel of the Lord Strikes Down the Assyrians")). Beyond Assyria, the verse also carries a universal principle: God opposes all forms of human pride and self-exaltation.

**How does this verse relate to God's character?**

Answer: Isaiah 10:33 powerfully reveals several facets of God's character. Firstly, it highlights His **absolute sovereignty** as "the Lord, the LORD of hosts," demonstrating His ultimate control over all nations, armies, and historical events. Secondly, it showcases His **righteous justice**, as He brings judgment upon those who are arrogant and oppressive, even if He initially used them for His purposes. God is not indifferent to the pride and wickedness of humanity, but actively intervenes. Thirdly, it underscores His **immense power** and ability to execute His will decisively, symbolized by the violent "lopping" and "hewing down." Finally, it implicitly reveals His **faithfulness to His covenant people**, as this judgment on Assyria ultimately serves to protect Jerusalem and preserve a remnant for Judah, demonstrating His role as a divine protector (see [Deuteronomy 32:4](/deuteronomy/32-4 "Deuteronomy 32:4 - God's Perfect Justice")).

**Is this prophecy only about Assyria, or does it have broader implications?**

Answer: While Isaiah 10:33 is specifically directed at the Assyrian Empire in its historical context, it carries profound and enduring universal implications. It serves as an archetypal prophecy demonstrating God's consistent principle of opposing human pride and bringing down those who exalt themselves against Him. Throughout biblical history and beyond, we see this pattern repeated: empires rise and fall, and powerful individuals are humbled. Therefore, while its immediate fulfillment was against Assyria, the verse stands as a timeless declaration of God's unchanging character and His ultimate dominion over all earthly powers. It assures believers that no human arrogance or oppressive regime can ultimately thwart God's plans or escape His righteous judgment, a truth echoed in [Psalm 75:7](/psalm/75-7 "Psalm 75:7 - God Judges the Earth").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 10:33, with its vivid imagery of God "lopping" and "hewing down" the proud, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in both the first and second comings of Jesus. In His first advent, Christ perfectly embodied the antithesis of the "haughty" described here. Though He was "in the form of God," He "did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6-7 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humility")). The divine humility of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), stands in stark contrast to the pride that God promises to humble. Through His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus disarmed and triumphed over the spiritual powers of darkness that often fuel human arrogance and oppression, "having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")). In His second coming, the "lopping" and "hewing down" will reach its final, universal culmination. The [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords") will return to judge the nations and execute righteous judgment, bringing all rebellious and haughty powers to their knees. Every knee will bow, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Will Bow")). Thus, Isaiah 10:33 foreshadows the ultimate victory of Christ over all pride and opposition, establishing His eternal kingdom where only the humble will inherit the earth, as promised in [Matthew 5:5](/matthew/5-5 "Matthew 5:5 - Blessed Are the Meek").

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

Amos 2:9

¶ Yet destroyed I the Amorite before them, whose height [was] like the height of the cedars, and he [was] strong as the oaks; yet I destroyed his fruit from above, and his roots from beneath.

Isaiah 37:38

And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons smote him with the sword; and they escaped into the land of Armenia: and Esarhaddon his son reigned in his stead.

Daniel 4:37

Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works [are] truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.

Isaiah 10:16

Therefore shall the Lord, the Lord of hosts, send among his fat ones leanness; and under his glory he shall kindle a burning like the burning of a fire.

Isaiah 10:19

And the rest of the trees of his forest shall be few, that a child may write them.

Isaiah 37:24

By thy servants hast thou reproached the Lord, and hast said, By the multitude of my chariots am I come up to the height of the mountains, to the sides of Lebanon; and I will cut down the tall cedars thereof, [and] the choice fir trees thereof: and I will enter into the height of his border, [and] the forest of his Carmel.

Isaiah 37:36

Then the angel of the LORD went forth, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians a hundred and fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they [were] all dead corpses.