Isaiah 21:10

KJV

O my threshing, and the corn of my floor: that which I have heard of the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, have I declared unto you.

KJV (with Strong's)

O my threshing {H4098}, and the corn {H1121} of my floor {H1637}: that which I have heard {H8085} of the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}, the God {H430} of Israel {H3478}, have I declared {H5046} unto you.

Complete Jewish Bible

My people, who have been threshed, grain trodden down on my threshing-floor: I am telling you what I have heard from ADONAI-Tzva'ot, the God of Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

O my people, crushed on the threshing floor, I tell you what I have heard from the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel.

American Standard Version

O thou my threshing, and the grain of my floor! that which I have heard from Jehovah of hosts, the God of Israel, have I declared unto you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 21:10 serves as the prophet Isaiah's deeply personal and authoritative concluding statement to the oracle against Babylon, often referred to as "the burden of the desert of the sea." Through vivid agricultural imagery of "threshing" and "corn of my floor," Isaiah conveys the severe divine judgment being executed, identifying with the intense process of affliction. He then unequivocally asserts the divine origin and fidelity of his prophetic message, declaring that he has faithfully transmitted what he received directly from "the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel," thereby affirming God's absolute sovereignty and his own role as a trustworthy messenger.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 21 is a chapter composed of three distinct prophetic "burdens" or oracles of judgment: against Babylon (the "desert of the sea," [Isaiah 21:1-10](/isaiah/21-1 "Isaiah 21:1-10 - The Burden of Babylon")), against Edom (Dumah, [Isaiah 21:11-12](/isaiah/21-11 "Isaiah 21:11-12 - The Burden of Dumah")), and against Arabia (Kedar, [Isaiah 21:13-17](/isaiah/21-13 "Isaiah 21:13-17 - The Burden of Arabia")). Verse 10 specifically concludes the first and most extensive oracle concerning Babylon. The preceding verses ([Isaiah 21:1-9](/isaiah/21-1 "Isaiah 21:1-9 - The Fall of Babylon Prophecy")) paint a dramatic picture of Babylon's impending fall, marked by a vision of intense dread, a watchman's report of chariots and riders, and the ultimate declaration of "Babylon is fallen, is fallen!" The prophet's personal reflection in verse 10 thus serves as a powerful, almost empathetic, epilogue to this specific prophecy, grounding the terrifying vision in a divinely revealed truth.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies in Isaiah 21 likely pertain to events in the 8th and 7th centuries BCE, particularly the rise and fall of various Mesopotamian powers. While Babylon's ultimate fall to Cyrus the Great in 539 BCE is a major fulfillment, earlier destructions or periods of subjugation (e.g., by Assyria) may also be in view, reflecting the volatile geopolitical landscape of the ancient Near East. The imagery of "threshing" (separating grain from chaff by trampling or beating) and "corn of my floor" was deeply familiar in an agrarian society. Threshing floors were open, hardened areas used for processing harvested crops. This agricultural metaphor was commonly used in biblical literature to symbolize severe judgment, purification, or affliction, where nations or individuals are "trampled" or "beaten" by divine action, much like grain is processed on a floor. The prophet's role was to receive and declare the word of God, often at great personal cost or emotional burden, making his declaration of what he "heard" a statement of prophetic integrity.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes found throughout the book of Isaiah and the prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, portraying God as the ultimate ruler of nations who executes His will through historical events, using even powerful empires as instruments of His judgment, as seen in the broader context of [Isaiah's prophecies](/isaiah/1 "The Book of Isaiah"). Secondly, it highlights **Prophetic Authority and Fidelity**, emphasizing that Isaiah is not speaking his own words but faithfully relaying a direct revelation from "the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel." This theme of divine inspiration and human declaration is central to understanding the prophetic office, a truth reiterated in passages like [Jeremiah 1:9](/jeremiah/1-9 "Jeremiah 1:9 - God Puts His Words in the Prophet's Mouth"). Finally, the verse speaks to **God's Unwavering Character**, identifying Him as "the LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth), a title emphasizing His supreme power over all creation and armies, and "the God of Israel," affirming His covenant faithfulness to His chosen people, even amidst the judgment of other nations. This dual identity underscores both His universal justice and His particular redemptive plan for Israel, a tension often explored in [Isaiah's prophetic messages](/isaiah/40 "Isaiah 40 - Comfort for Israel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **threshing (Hebrew, _mᵉdushshâh'_):** From the root `dûsh`, meaning to tread down or trample. This word specifically refers to the act of threshing, but concretely and figuratively it denotes a "down-trodden people" or the process of "threshing" as a metaphor for severe affliction or judgment. In Isaiah 21:10, its use signifies a people or nation being subjected to intense, crushing divine judgment, like grain being separated from chaff on a threshing floor. The prophet identifies with this process, perhaps feeling the burden or empathy for those undergoing this severe experience.
* **floor (Hebrew, _gôren'_):** From an unused root meaning "to smooth," this word refers to a threshing-floor, an open, level area where grain was threshed. By analogy, it can refer to any open area. In the context of "corn of my floor," it reinforces the agricultural imagery of judgment. The "floor" is the place where the intense, often violent, work of separation and purification occurs, underscoring the severity and public nature of the divine judgment.
* **declared (Hebrew, _nâgad'_):** A primitive root meaning "to front," "to stand boldly out opposite," or "to manifest." Causatively, it implies "to announce" (always by word of mouth to one present), "to expose," "predict," "explain," or "praise." In this verse, it emphasizes Isaiah's role as a faithful messenger. He is not merely speaking but boldly and clearly proclaiming what he has received. This verb highlights the public, authoritative, and direct nature of the prophetic utterance, ensuring the audience understands that the message originates from God, not from the prophet's own mind.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"O my threshing, and the corn of my floor:"** This opening phrase is a deeply evocative and somewhat enigmatic exclamation from the prophet. "Threshing" (מְדֻשָׁה, _medushshâh_) and "corn of my floor" (בֶּן־גָּרְנִי, _ben-gorni_, literally "son of my threshing floor") are powerful agricultural metaphors for a process of severe judgment, affliction, or purification. The use of "my" indicates a profound personal identification or empathy on the part of Isaiah with the people or nations undergoing this intense process. He is either witnessing the judgment so intimately that it feels like his own, or he is identifying with the suffering of God's people (or even the nations) as they are "threshed" by divine decree. It conveys the immense burden and sorrow the prophet feels in delivering such a message of devastation.
* **"that which I have heard of the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, have I declared unto you."** This second clause firmly establishes the divine origin and authority of the preceding prophecy concerning Babylon. Isaiah asserts that his message is not of human invention or opinion but is a direct revelation ("that which I have heard") from the ultimate divine authority. "The LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) emphasizes God's supreme power and sovereignty over all creation, including celestial and earthly armies, highlighting His ability to execute His judgments. "The God of Israel" simultaneously affirms His covenant relationship and faithfulness to His chosen people, even as He brings judgment upon other nations. The phrase "have I declared unto you" underscores Isaiah's fidelity as a prophet, emphasizing that he has faithfully transmitted the exact message he received, without alteration or personal bias.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 21:10 is rich in literary devices that enhance its impact and meaning. The most prominent is **Symbolism**, particularly the agricultural imagery of "threshing" and "corn of my floor." These terms symbolize severe divine judgment, purification, or affliction, where nations or individuals are subjected to a crushing process akin to how grain is separated from chaff. This vivid metaphor makes the abstract concept of judgment tangible and relatable to an agrarian society. The phrase "O my threshing" also employs **Apostrophe**, a direct address to an absent or abstract entity, or in this case, a personification of the judgment itself, indicating the prophet's deep emotional engagement. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as a powerful **Prophetic Persona**, where Isaiah steps forward to personally affirm the divine source and fidelity of his message. His identification with the "threshing" could also be seen as a form of **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where a part (the process of judgment) stands for the whole (the experience of the people undergoing judgment), or the prophet's personal burden represents the weight of the divine message.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 21:10 profoundly reinforces the biblical understanding of God's absolute sovereignty over history and nations, His unwavering commitment to justice, and the integrity of His prophetic word. The imagery of "threshing" speaks to God's active involvement in the affairs of humanity, orchestrating events to bring about His purposes, often through processes of judgment and purification. This divine work is not arbitrary but flows from the character of "the LORD of hosts," who possesses ultimate power, and "the God of Israel," who remains faithful to His covenant. The prophet's faithful declaration highlights the crucial role of divine revelation and the human responsibility to accurately convey it, underscoring that true prophecy is God's word, not man's. It reminds us that God's truth, however difficult, is always declared with authority and for a divine purpose, calling humanity to heed His voice and submit to His righteous rule.

* [Jeremiah 51:33](/jeremiah/51-33 "Jeremiah 51:33 - Babylon as a Threshing Floor")
* [Jeremiah 1:9](/jeremiah/1-9 "Jeremiah 1:9 - God Puts His Words in the Prophet's Mouth")
* [Isaiah 6:3](/isaiah/6-3 "Isaiah 6:3 - The Lord of Hosts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 21:10 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. Firstly, it calls us to acknowledge God's ultimate sovereignty over all of history and every nation. Just as Babylon faced divine judgment, so too will all earthly powers ultimately answer to the "LORD of hosts." This truth provides both comfort in times of global turmoil, knowing God is on His throne, and a sober warning against human arrogance and rebellion. Secondly, the prophet's faithful declaration, "that which I have heard... have I declared unto you," serves as a powerful model for all who seek to communicate God's truth. It underscores the necessity of hearing from God through His Word and Spirit, and then faithfully proclaiming that truth without adding to or subtracting from it. Our mission is not to invent messages but to be trustworthy conduits of divine revelation. This verse encourages us to trust in God's perfect justice, even when His judgments seem severe, and to recognize the immense privilege and responsibility of handling His sacred Word. It challenges us to discern God's voice in a noisy world and to live in obedient response to His declared will, understanding that His promises and His judgments are equally sure.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of "threshing" challenge or affirm your understanding of God's judgment and purification in the world today?**
* **In what ways are you called to "hear" from the Lord and then "declare" His truth in your sphere of influence, and what might hinder you from doing so faithfully?**
* **How does knowing God as "the LORD of hosts" and "the God of Israel" impact your trust in His sovereignty and His faithfulness amidst global challenges?**

### FAQ
**What does "O my threshing, and the corn of my floor" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: This phrase is a deeply personal and metaphorical exclamation from the prophet Isaiah. "Threshing" and "corn of my floor" refer to the agricultural process of separating grain from chaff, which was often done by trampling or beating. In prophetic literature, this imagery frequently symbolizes severe divine judgment, affliction, or purification. The "my" indicates Isaiah's profound identification with or empathy for the people or nations undergoing this intense process. It suggests that the prophet feels the burden and sorrow of the judgment as if it were his own, or that he is witnessing it with such intimacy that it becomes a personal experience. It highlights the devastating nature of the judgment against Babylon, which Isaiah is tasked with proclaiming, as seen in the preceding verses of [Isaiah 21:1-9](/isaiah/21-1 "Isaiah 21:1-9 - The Burden of Babylon").

**Why does Isaiah emphasize that he "heard of the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel"?**

Answer: Isaiah emphasizes that he "heard of the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel" to unequivocally establish the divine origin and supreme authority of his prophetic message. In ancient Israel, true prophets were distinguished from false ones by the source of their words; they spoke only what God commanded. By naming God as "the LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth), Isaiah highlights His absolute power and sovereignty over all creation and armies, signifying that this judgment is not a random event but a deliberate act of the Almighty. Coupling this with "the God of Israel" reinforces His covenant faithfulness to His chosen people, even as He executes judgment on other nations. This declaration validates the authenticity and reliability of Isaiah's prophecy, assuring his audience that they are hearing God's infallible word, not merely human opinion or speculation, a principle found throughout prophetic books like [Jeremiah](/jeremiah/1 "The Book of Jeremiah").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 21:10, with its powerful imagery of divine judgment and faithful declaration, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "threshing" and "corn of my floor" imagery, symbolic of divine judgment and purification, points forward to Christ as the ultimate executor of God's righteous judgment. While Isaiah lamented the "threshing" of nations, Jesus himself spoke of a future "threshing floor" where the wheat (the righteous) would be gathered, and the chaff (the unrighteous) would be burned with unquenchable fire ([Matthew 3:12](/matthew/3-12 "Matthew 3:12 - John the Baptist's Prophecy of Judgment")). Yet, Christ is also the one who bore the "threshing" of God's wrath on the cross, becoming the ultimate sacrifice that purifies His people, taking upon Himself the judgment due to humanity ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Furthermore, Isaiah's faithful declaration of what he "heard of the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel" is supremely fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is the very Word of God made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). He is the ultimate and final declaration of God to humanity, the one through whom God has spoken in these last days ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")). Every prophecy, every word declared by the prophets, ultimately points to Him who embodies God's judgment and His saving grace, the one who perfectly reveals the "LORD of hosts, the God of Israel" to the world.

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

Jeremiah 51:33

For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; The daughter of Babylon [is] like a threshingfloor, [it is] time to thresh her: yet a little while, and the time of her harvest shall come.

Micah 4:13

Arise and thresh, O daughter of Zion: for I will make thine horn iron, and I will make thy hoofs brass: and thou shalt beat in pieces many people: and I will consecrate their gain unto the LORD, and their substance unto the Lord of the whole earth.

Isaiah 41:15

Behold, I will make thee a new sharp threshing instrument having teeth: thou shalt thresh the mountains, and beat [them] small, and shalt make the hills as chaff.

Isaiah 41:16

Thou shalt fan them, and the wind shall carry them away, and the whirlwind shall scatter them: and thou shalt rejoice in the LORD, [and] shalt glory in the Holy One of Israel.

2 Kings 13:7

Neither did he leave of the people to Jehoahaz but fifty horsemen, and ten chariots, and ten thousand footmen; for the king of Syria had destroyed them, and had made them like the dust by threshing.

Ezekiel 3:17

Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.

Ezekiel 3:19

Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.